SINGAPORE has apologised to all Malaysians over the hurtful remarks by stand-up performer Jocelyn Chia who joked about the missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 during a performance at Comedy Cellar in New York, United States.

In an 89-second video clip posted on one of her social media accounts, she also joked about Malaysia being a developing country 40 years after it had “abandoned” Singapore.

Singapore’s High Commissioner to Malaysia Vanu Gopala Menon said he was appalled by 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, who is no longer Singaporean, does not in any way reflect our views.

“I sincerely apologise to all Malaysians for her hurtful remarks,” Vanu said in a statement.

In the video, Chia, who claimed her country is Singapore, said after gaining independence from the British, the island republic struggled as a little nation.

“In order to survive, we formed a union with a larger, more powerful country, Malaysia.

“But then, 40 years later, we became a first-world country.

“And you guys? Malaysia, what are you now? Still a developing country,” Chia joked.

She also joked about Malaysia seeking to re-establish ties with Singapore.

“Why haven’t you (Malaysia) paid me a visit in 40 years?

“I tried, but you know, our airplanes can’t fly.

“What, Malaysia Airlines going missing is not funny, huh?

“Some jokes don’t land,” she said, in an apparent reference to flight MH370 that vanished on March 8, 2014 while en route from Kuala Lumpur International Airport to Beijing, China.

Social media users slammed her, with some saying her jokes on the missing flight MH370 had crossed the line.

The New Straits Times reported that Intan Maizura Othaman, wife of MH370 crew member Mohd Hazrin Mohamed Hasnan, left a comment on the video.

“When you attend a show that features an incompetent lawyer turned unfunny comedian, this is what you get. Epitome of a heinous human!”

Vanu said Singapore and Malaysia enjoy a strong and multi-faceted relationship, with deep and cross-cutting ties.

“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,” the high commissioner added. 

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Zambry Abd Kadir has expressed regret and condemned Chia’s actions.

In a statement, Zambry said the woman’s act showed a total lack of sensitivity and empathy towards Malaysians and the victims’ families.

“This video also clearly depicts behaviour that is contrary to the values of Asian countries that are known for their manners and morals.

“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. – June 8, 2023.