Singapore High Commissioner apologises to Malaysians over comedian's offensive joke

KUALA LUMPUR: Singapore's High Commissioner to Malaysia Vanu Gopala Menon said he is appalled by the "gratuitously offensive comments" on Malaysia made by stand-up performer Jocelyn Chia.

He said Chia's statement does not in any way reflect Singapore's view.

"I am appalled by the gratuitously offensive comments made by stand-up performer Jocelyn Chia. 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 in a statement today.

The High Commissioner's apology came in the wake of the offensive joke made by the lawyer turned comedian on the ill-fated Malaysian carrier MH370 that went missing on March 8, 2014 as well as the state of developments in Malaysia.

Vanu Gopala said as closest neighbours, Singapore and Malaysia enjoy a strong and multi-faceted relationship with deep and cross-cutting ties while both countries 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 added.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, Malaysia's Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir had expressed regret and condemned Chia who in a video recording was shown disparaging Malaysia and making fun of the MH370 tragedy.

Zambry in a statement said the act by the woman showed a total lack of sensitivity and empathy towards Malaysians and the victims' families.

"I believe this is not a stance or action accepted by any country let alone reflect the official stance of any government," he said, adding that any action or attempt like this should be stopped.

Chia's video mocking Malaysia in a recent comedy show titled 'Singapore vs Malaysia' held in New York, United States had gone viral.

-- BERNAMA