KUALA LUMPUR: Around 100 members of Umno Youth gathered near the US Embassy on Jalan Tun Razak here today to deliver a memorandum in protest against stand-up performer Jocelyn Chia.
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Clad in white Baju Melayu, the Umno youth members began gathering at the location as early as 2pm.
The group was led by Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh.
“We came here today to submit a memorandum of protest to the US Embassy as we learnt yesterday that the Singapore High Commissioner has said that Chia is no longer a Singaporean.
“We then came to know that she is staying in the US and therefore we are handing the memorandum of protest over to the US Embassy.”
He also said that the “jokes” made by Chia not only insulted Malaysians but also the family of the victims of MH370.
“Jokes are funny if they are based on facts and do not offend others’ feelings. “When you make jokes, it must come with manners!
“This is something that is very unacceptable to all Malaysians.”
Dr Akmal also issued a stern warning to anyone who attempts to insult the country. “This isn’t a matter of freedom of speech. Freedom of speech must come with sensitivity,” he said.
He also urged the government to ban Chia from entering the country and also pursue legal action against her.
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“We have called for the government to ban her from entering Malaysia and we have lodged a police report yesterday to pursue legal action against her.”
On Wednesday, stand-up comedian Chia posted a video clip on Instagram where she joked about Malaysia being a developing country that is far behind and was once “abandoned” by Singapore.
She also referenced Malaysia Airlines flight MH370, which went missing on March 8, 2014, saying Malaysian airplanes “can’t fly.”
These statements drew strong criticism from Malaysians.
According to her website, Chia is a lawyer turned comedian originally from Singapore.
She is reportedly a regular performer at the best comedy clubs in New York City, including the Comedy Cellar and Gotham Comedy Club.
Singapore High Commissioner to Malaysia Vanu Gopala Menon yesterday expressed his dismay at the “gratuitously offensive comments” made by Chia.
“The Singapore Government does not condone words or actions that cause harm or hurt to others and Chia,” he said, stressing that Chia was “no longer Singaporean” and that she did not “in any way reflect our (Singapore’s) views.”
– New Straits Times