When faith stands in between, just listen to your heart and you “won’t burn in hell”, Nia Atasha

When faith stands in between, just listen to your heart and you “won’t burn in hell”, Nia Atasha

NIA Atasha Rosli, Victoria’s Secret’s first Malay model, has recently become the talk of social media with her revelation as a key figure in the renowned lingerie brand’s T-shirt Bra Collection.

While the 26-year-old garnered widespread praise and enthusiasm from many individuals, there has also been a fair share of criticism and controversy surrounding Nia’s career choice.

Numerous fans and netizens have flooded Nia’s social media accounts with overwhelming support, expressing their pride and happiness for the young model.

They admire her achievements and commend her for breaking barriers and representing Malaysia on an international stage. Some users even expressed their hopes of seeing her donning the iconic angel wings in future Victoria’s Secret fashion shows.

Voices of discontent

Amidst the celebration, there have also been voices of discontent with concerns raised by certain segments of society.

Some individuals pointed out the absence of darker-skinned Southeast Asian women in the campaign, calling for greater representation of diverse skin tones. They argued that true inclusivity should embrace women with a wider range of body types, including plus-sized individuals and those with post-pregnancy bodies or scars from caesarean-sections.

In addition to these critiques, another aspect of the controversy revolves around Nia’s identity as a Malay Muslim woman. Some feel that her choice to participate in a lingerie campaign contradicts Islamic teachings which emphasise modesty and the compulsory covering of certain parts of a woman’s body which are deemed “private”.

The clash of opinions on Nia’s career in modelling reflects a broader societal divide between conservative and liberal perspectives within Malaysia. It underscores the tensions between those who adhere strictly to religious guidelines and those who advocate for individual freedom and expression.

These conflicting viewpoints highlight the complexities of navigating personal choices and societal expectations in a multi-cultural and multi-religious society like Malaysia.

However, some are stating that Nia is not the first Malay woman to enter a modelling scene similar to this and even advise her to focus on overseas stints.

“This is just Nia Atasha. Netizens have yet to know Shikin Gomez, Alicia Amin and a few more Malay models. Shikin is smart, she earn a living overseas so she rarely get criticised. Alicia and Nia are so talented, so I think u guys should follow Shikin’s step if you want to advance your career further.” opined netizen Ira (SN) (@EyrahClyne) in a tweet.