MALAYSIA – A Malaysian model has hit back at critics who say it is inappropriate for her to compete in a modeling TV show. Nuraini Noor, also known by her stage name Tuti, was recently unveiled as one of 14 contestants in the latest season of Asia’s Next Top Model. The news triggered online comments from Malaysians saying it was wrong for a Muslim woman to take part.

However, Ms Noor told the BBC she respected everyone’s opinions, but did not like to put labels on anything. “What really separates us is not skin color nor religion. It’s opportunity,” she told the BBC via email. Malaysia is known to be a moderate Muslim country, but has seen rising religious sentiment in recent years. Ms Noor is said to be the show’s first ethnic Malay participant. Malays make up the majority of Malaysia’s population and are mostly Muslim.(BBC)…[+]