The incident caused uproar not only in our country but also around the world which led to Malaysians thinking: will there be better contestants from the pageant in the future?

Well, a new Miss Universe Malaysia has recently been crowned, and it looks like she’s a beauty queen with substance, ready to take on the world.

Francisca Luhong James was recently crowned 2020 Miss Universe Malaysia over the weekend in the first ever live-streamed Miss Universe Malaysia Gala Night (e-Gala).

She also clinched two other titles in the pageant – Best in Evening Gown and Miss Auto Bavaria Elegance subsidiary titles.

Francisca walked away with the "Reflection" crown by Habib – featuring a jaw-dropping 10-carat diamond set in white gold worth RM2.38 million, cash and sponsored prizes valued at RM180,000, and a full scholarship from HELP University.

Borneo pride

The 25-year old is a Dayak native from Kuching, Sarawak and is a public relations executive cum model and graduated from UiTM with a Bachelor's Degree in Mass Communications.

According to Borneo Talk, her father, James Bungan is of Orang Ulu descent from Ulu Sungai Asap and her mom, Pauline Japok is from the Iban lineage in Kanowit.

She is expected to represent Malaysia at the Miss Universe pageant in 2021 at a location yet to be announced.

In an official statement from the pageant, she said that she didn’t expect to walkaway with the title.

View this post on Instagram

Good morning loves! Have you had your breakfast? ☺️ Today is our prejudging day. 2nd day of rehearsal, only 2 days left till E Gala. Thank you for all the love and support, keep them coming and remember to watch and vote by purchasing the ticket at the @missuniversemalaysia official website. Link is in my bio! ?? Makeup @sheila_mohamad Hair @syhimran77 Outfit @rizmanruzaini ? @blackpepperproduction #egala #missuniversemalaysia20 #tnmum20 #beautybeyondyou #womenempowerment #womenrise

A post shared by Francisca Luhong James (@francisca.luhong) on Sep 2, 2020 at 7:57pm PDT

"It feels surreal. I didn't expect this, but I worked really hard throughout the journey and I am grateful, blessed for this opportunity and I would like to say thank you for all the love and support that I have received from my parents, friends and followers.”

"My advocacy is on women's empowerment and I believe that this begins with yourself. I realised that when I fell and got back up, a lot of people lost their trust in me during my journey.”