KOTA KINABALU: The winner of Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA) Johor branch Unduk Ngadau 2023, Viru Nikah Terinsip renounced her title today.
In a video posted on her social media, Viru popularly known as "Duyung Darat" said that she finally found the courage to do so.
"I am Viru Nikah Terinisip, Unduk Ngadau Johor 2023 return this title with honor and humbleness. "I joined the Unduk Ngadau competition by my own will and returned this title without coercion. I respect my decision," she said in the video.
She also said "I am not a perfect person" and hoped God would give her strength to face everything in her future.
The video was posted before a "final decision" was made over her recent controversial video.
Earlier in the morning today, KDCA president Huguan Siou (Kadazandusun paramount leader) Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan disclosed that the Association's central committee had agreed to a proposal to strip Viru's crown.
He said the decision was made after weighing all factors including opinions from the Council of Elders and Bobolian (ritual leaders).
However, it is understood that Johor KDCA would make the final decision, as Viru earned the title after winning it last year.
Viru then represented KDCA Johor at the State Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan competition.
Previously it was reported that KDCA is deliberating on the actions to be taken on a KDCA branch Unduk Ngadau winner over a controversial video that sparked outrage among netizens.
In the video, she could be seen interacting with male workers who danced suggestively at a popular restaurant in Thailand.