Another year, another pageant winner is put up for slaughter to netizens - over a national costume.

But this year, it's not a woman.

Manhunt Singapore 2012 winner Jason Chee competed in the international finals in Bangkok on Friday night.

Manhunt International competition organisers said on Thursday, ahead of the finals, that Mr Chee had won the Mr Internet Popularity subsidiary title. He was also the first contestant announced to be part of the 15 semi-finalists.

His national costume is meant to give a modern warrior vibe, inspired by Peranakan elements and Sang Nila Utama, the Srivijayan prince from Palembang who landed on Singapore's shores some 600 years before Sir Stamford Raffles.

For the costume portion of the finals Friday night, Mr Chee wore a translucent gold shirt with embroidered flowers and a short, short sarong.

The length of the sarong leaves little to the imagination, especially from the back.

Local designers have widely contrasting opinions on the costume.

Mr Chee, 24, told The New Paper last week: "Now I know what it feels like to be a girl."

It is the first time he has worn a "skirt".

"I don't really feel awkward in it," he said. "I was open to the design. Anyway, to exhibit confidence (at the finals), I have to be confident in it."

The shirt, made out of gold mesh and featuring embroidered, deep-red flowers based on our national flower, the Vanda Miss Joaquim, has snap buttons. This is to allow Mr Chee to unbutton his shirt easily to show off his well-defined abs.

The sarong, made from traditional batik material, is held together at the sides with velcro while Mr Chee wears swimming trunks underneath it.

The warrior look is completed by a "gold plate" costume jewellery that was purchased at Tekka Centre.

But the outfit has raised some eyebrows.

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