CRACKHOUSE Comedy Club co-founder Rizal Van Geysel has said that City Hall’s (DBKL) decision to shut its premises is “flabbergasting”.

He said DBKL’s decision shows that the council doesn’t understand how stand-up comedy works.

“We are completely flabbergasted that we have been suspended. DBKL has yet to formally inform us. We just read it on all the news portals,” Rizal told The Malaysian Insight.

“Now, DBKL seems to have succumbed to pressure from those who don’t understand the stand-up comedy genre and have apparently issued us a temporary suspension order.”

Rizal said that during open mic nights new talents are given the opportunity to take the stage with clear guidelines.

“On open mic nights, where newbies and those interested in trying stand-up comedy, each person is given three minutes to perform. We tell them clearly that they cannot insult royalty and religion. 

“We cannot ‘police’ open mic nights. It defeats the objective of nurturing new talent. 

“After this lady did what she did, for less than one minute or so, and left the stage, we immediately banned her, not just from the stage, but from the club as well.

“What she did was not stand-up comedy, and she is not a stand-up comedian!”

Rizal said that the club is disappointed that creative freedom has been curtailed before a formal investigation has been carried out.

“We will, of course, comply and we will also work with the authorities to deal with this situation, but we are also deeply disappointed that without due process, freedom is curtailed so easily. 

“The Crackhouse Comedy Club will co-operate but strongly denies any wrongdoing in this matter.”

It is unclear how long the closure will last, he added.

The club, situated in Taman Tun Dr Ismail, was ordered to close by DBKL today after an open mic night participant during her performance removed her baju kurung and hijab to reveal her mini skirt.

In a 54s long video that was uploaded to social media, the woman claimed she had memorised most parts of the Quran, before she removed her attire to reveal a blouse and mini skirt.

Deputy Federal Territories Minister Jalaluddin Alias said the decision to close the club sent a message that the ministry and City Hall would not tolerate behaviour disrespecting the sensitivities of religion, race or sovereignty. – July 10, 2022.