Singapore High Commissioner Apologises To Malaysia Over Jocelyn Chia's "Offensive" Jokes
He stressed that Chia is "no longer Singaporean" and that her words do not reflect Singapore's views.
By May Vin Ang — 08 Jun 2023, 09:50 AM
The Singapore High Commissioner to Malaysia has issued an apology for standup comedian Jocelyn Chia's offensive jokes made in New York recently
"I am appalled by the gratuitously offensive comments made by stand-up performer Jocelyn Chia," said Vanu Gopala Menon in an early morning statement today, 8 June.
He also stressed that Chia is "no longer Singaporean" and that her words do not reflect Singapore's views.
"The Singapore Government does not condone words or actions that cause harm or hurt to others and Chia, who is no longer Singaporean, does not in any way reflect our views.
"I sincerely apologise to all Malaysians for her hurtful remarks," he said.
Vanu further said the comments made by Chia were "unhelpful and undermine" the friendship between both countries
"As our closest neighbour, Singapore and Malaysia enjoy a strong and multi-faceted relationship, with deep and cross-cutting ties," he added.
"We also have unique historical and close people-to-people ties.
"Comments such as those made by Chia are unhelpful and undermine the close trust and friendship that both our countries and peoples enjoy," he said.
In a one-minute clip posted on Comedy Cellar's TikTok, Chia joked about Malaysia being a developing country
At the comedy club in Manhattan, New York, she went on to say that Malaysian airplanes "can't fly", referring to Malaysian Airlines flight MH370, which went missing with its 239 passengers on 8 March 2014.
The comedy club has since taken the video down.
