altYunalis Zarai or affectionately called Yuna is one extraordinary female singer in Malaysia. She sings and writes her own song unlike many artistes who have to rely on songwriters from recording companies. She also sings in English and Malay and her ability to sing while playing guitar or keyboard makes her highly "unusual" among scores of artistes in the country.

The tudung-clad law graduate is also very attractive, appealing to both males and females. She dons her tudung so neatly while on and off stage, that she quickly becomes a trendsetter and role model to many young Malaysians.  She capitalises on her sense of style to open a boutique, which features her eclectic fashion choices that has set a trend among many young female Malaysians and launches her another career as a keen businesswoman. She is in many respects atypical young female of her generation.

Malaysian Digest's young writer, Aidil Syukri exchanged some questions with Yuna recently and she obligingly returned with these answers.

MD: What is politics to you? Do you have an opinion about current political situation in Malaysia?
Yuna: Politics, i dont think I am the right person to answer it. Not right now. To me as long as we're breathing, I am fine. 

MD: What are some changes you’d like to see in this country?

Yuna: Better public facilities, I guess. And a better maintenance to the facilities we already have.

MD: Do you think the government is doing enough to support and promote the local entertainment industry?

Yuna: When it comes to support, it has to be ongoing, I think. We could do more with whatever resources we have right now. If the government continues to support the industry, there is no reason why we can't put the local entertainment industry more prominently on the world map.

MD: What kind of person inspires you? Who are your role models?

Yuna: Someone who is passionate in doing what they love, never loses faith, never gives up, firm in making a decision, doesn't take a "No" for an answer, someone who considers themselves a citizen of the world, not confined to a specific race, religion and nationality. Someone who represents humanity. I love Michael Jackson.

MD: Who or what inspire you in fashion and music?

Yuna: Who? Most likely... Lykke Li. She is so wonderful to look at, she has her own style of singing, performing and her fashion sense is really cool too. Other than that, I get inspired mostly from magazines, movies, music from the 1940s…basically everything that I stumble upon.
 

MD: Do you design your own clothes in your boutique or do you buy them?

Yuna: I buy them. I’m no fashion designer, but I like putting an outfit together. So I handpick the clothes that sell in my boutique carefully based on my preferences. I’m very inspired by European street style blogs. I could just spend hours checking out what they wear. So when I pick the clothes for the shop, I don’t just go "Hey ni pun okay lah" and simply just grab something, I really make sure that when I pick something I'd go "Hey I would definitely wear this to a show".

MD: What's your opinion on late marriage?

Yuna: There's nothing wrong with late marriage. Some people just want to enjoy their single lives first, discovering places and chasing dreams before settling down, I totally respect that.

MD: Do you agree with cohabitation before marriage?

Yuna: Personally no. Surprises should come later after marriage! haha!

MD: What are the highlights of your career in 2009?

Yuna: Getting into the Anugerah Juara Lagu. That was unexpected.

MD: What are the best films you have watch in 2009?

Yuna: Avatar. Nothing else can top that. No wait, I loved Zombieland too.

MD: What do you want for a birthday present? Do you always get what you wish for?

Yuna: I want a rollerblade. I have this sudden urge to rollerblade again. Actually yes, because I work very hard to get the things I wish for.

MD: If you were an astronaut, which planet would you want to go to? Why?

Yuna: I’d hit the next galaxy, but then again, I’d go to the moon, far from people, but still close to home. Close enough to see that planet earth is doing okay.

MD: If Cicakman was to fight Superman who do you think would win?

Yuna: BATMAN. I love Batman. Batman never screws up.

MD: Are you seeing anyone?

Yuna: Haha! No comment!

MD: You're a boutique owner, singer/songwriter and law student. Which one you enjoy most?

Yuna: Singer/songwriter! Because it's so easy to write songs and getting people to listen to your music is the most amazing thing in the whole world.

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