Malaysia won’t send a beauty queen for Miss Universe 2021

Miss Universe Malaysia 2020 Francisca Luhong James, a Sarawakian, is Malaysia’s representative to Miss Universe 2020 pageant held in Florida, USA. (Image via Facebook/MissUniverseMalaysia)

There will be no Malaysian representative at the upcoming Miss Universe 2021 pageant to take place in Eilat, Israel in December.

In a statement, the Miss Universe Malaysia Organization (MUMO) announced that it will skip the Miss Universe 2021 pageant due to worsening Covid-19 outbreak and travel restrictions related to the pandemic.

“Unfortunately, due to the worsening Covid-19 situation which has resulted in limited international and domestic travel, we have been unable to hold our local Miss Universe Malaysia 2021 pageant.

“We have therefore declined the invitation to this year’s pageant and regretfully would not be able to hold a local Miss Universe Malaysia pageant this year,” the MUMO statement read.

The statement noted the Miss Universe Organization’s decision to hold the 70th Miss Universe pageant in Eilat, Israel in December 2021.

“We wish all delegates the best of luck at the international competition, and look forward to participating again in the near future,” it added.

Miss Universe Malaysia 2020 Francisca Luhong James, in her evening gown, competes during the 69th Miss Universe 2020 competition. (Image via Facebook/MissUniverseMalaysia)

Malaysia was represented by Francisca Luhong James from Kuching, Sarawak for the 69th Miss Universe pageant held in Florida, USA. She made it through the preliminary rounds, however, despite her best efforts, she did not make it to the Top 21.

Andrea Meza, 26, from Mexico won the title of Miss Universe 2020. She beat 73 other women from all over the world.