KUALA LUMPUR: It was a bold move that has paid off handsomely.
Focusing on a controversial theme “Rape In Marriage” in her final assignment, Perak-born Naseha Uyaina Arshad, 23, fought off the charms of four other finalists of TV3’s Pencarian Nona Manis, to emerge the winner.
Held yesterday at Sri Pentas Shah Alam, Uyaina took home the grand prize of RM15,000, a set of Habib Jewel jewelleries worth RM15,000, and a year of clothing and hijab sponsorship from Aidijuma and Blossom Box Store.
“I wanted to highlight the matter because it is a serious issue and yet, many people still think that it is not right to discuss it openly,” said Uyaina.
“It does happen in our society and therefore it needs to be addressed,” she told the NST.
A law student from University of Malaya, Uyaina said, her knowledge in law was fully utilised to complete her final assignment in the competition.
“I did a lot of homework which include in-depth research to ensure that I could come up with a solid content to be presented in my last task. Fortunately, what I learnt in university had come in handy,” she said.
Not stopping there, Uyaina said, she hoped that she would be able to champion various issues in the society, to benefit the public.
“I see Nona Manis as a platform for me to continue doing so. But at the same time, law is still very close to my heart. Hopefully I will be able to strive in both fields,” said Uyaina.
Sabah-born, Nur Shaqira Edora Ghaffar, 24, emerged as the second place winner, bagging RM10,000 in cash prize, a set of Habib Jewel jewelleries worth RM10,000, and a year of clothing and hijab sponsorship from Aidijuma and Blossom Box Store, while 23-year-old Siti Maryam Hussin won the third place which saw her walking away with RM5,000 cash prize, a set of Habib Jewel jewelleries worth RM5,000, and a year clothing and hijab sponsorship from Aidijuma and Blossom Box Store.
Hosted by Fouziah Gous, Fara Fauzana and Dayah Bakar, the competition saw five-member panel judging the contestants. They were Media Prima Berhad Manager Image Management Nurfarahin Jamsari, TV3’s correspondent in London Haliza Hashim, actor Fahrin Ahmad, local fashion designer Jovian Mandagie and Bumiputera Designers Association president Mahani Awang.
The show was broadcast live over TV3 at 2pm yesterday.