KUCHING: Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng has urged stand-up comedians to exercise professionalism and avoid sensitive topics that may offend individuals or groups.
Wee was reacting to recent events involving Singaporean comedian Jocelyn Chia, who performed at the Comedy Cellar club in New York and made jokes about Malaysian planes “can’t fly” and that “some jokes don’t land”, in an apparent reference to Malaysian Airlines flight MH370, which went missing on Mar 8, 2014.
“While comedians have the freedom to make jokes, it is important that they refrain from touching on sensitive issues.
“I urge them to avoid personal matters and topics they may not fully understand,” Wee said during a press conference for the Kuching’s Got Talent held at MBKS building today.
Wee said professionalism should be a priority for all comedians, including the talented ones, and cautioned against addressing sensitive subjects related to religion, race, and beliefs, deeming such jokes as disrespectful.
In response to Chia’s offensive comments, Singapore’s High Commissioner to Malaysia Vanu Gopala Menon, expressed his dismay.
He said the Singapore government does not endorse words or actions that cause harm or hurt to others.
“I sincerely apologise to all Malaysians for her hurtful remarks,” he said in a statement today.
Menon clarified that Chia’s remarks do not represent Singapore’s views and emphasised the importance of maintaining the close trust and friendship between the two countries.
