Muslim model faces backlash for participating in 'Asia's Next Top Model'

The 24-year-old first Malay contestant to appear on modeling TV show

Nuraini Noor, also known by her stage name Tuti, was recently unveiled as one of 14 contestants on Asia's Next Top Model. But her unveiling has caused a stir among the Malaysian public -- they are chastising her for taking part in the contest, being a Muslim woman.

Tuti, the show's first ethnic Malay participant, has responded to her critics, by pointing out that she did not face such negative criticism when she participated in modeling competitions in Malaysia.

PHOTO: SAYS

"Different people have different point[s] of view and I am not in control of that. I respect each and everyone's opinion," the 24-year-old told BBC.

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"I don't like to put labels on anything. I'm a citizen of the world. I'm that kind of girl who chase[s] her dreams," she said.

As a Muslim model, "that really depends on how you approach the task. You need to be open to the producers, photographer, stylist and everyone involved on issues such as this and the sensitivities attached to it.

PHOTO: RTVGAMES

"At the end of the day, the ultimate goal is to produce good photos and to fulfil your brief and that's what I intend to do every time," she added.

PHOTO: SAYS

Malaysia has seen a rise in religious sentiment in recent years, evident in the criticism Tuti is receiving.

"What really separates us is not skin colour nor religion. It's opportunity," she told the BBC via email.

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Noor's appearance on the show has generated vastly mixed views from positive comments such as "Proud to see a Malaysian like her represent the country," to negatives ones like "Better think about your family... money and fame can make you happy for a short time, but if you choose this way, money will kill you, fame will destroy you."

PHOTO: makeupbyteyn.blogspot

Describing Nuraini Noor as one of the contestants, Asia's Next Top Model's website writes, "Tuti’s expressive body movements and strong angles have made her seem aggressive and full of attitude. Being the winner of X Top Model Search Malaysia 2012 and winning X Walk, she has proven her worth as an edgy, editorial model. Joining the competition will be a piece of cake; but will she outshine the other girls?"

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