During his policy speech on Thursday at the UMNO 2023 general assembly, Mr Akmal said that the comments made by Chia on Malaysia “is an insult that cannot be accepted by UMNO youth and all Malaysians”.
He added that he had instructed members of the UMNO youth executive council to file a police report against Chia.
A video clip of Chia performing stand-up at the Comedy Cellar club in New York sparked controversy among Malaysians when she was seen making jokes about Singapore’s relationship with Malaysia.
She commented on Singapore’s separation from Malaysia in 1965, saying that Singapore has gone on to become a first-world country and that Malaysia was “still a developing” one.
Chia also said that Malaysian airplanes “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.
On Thursday, Singapore’s High Commissioner to Malaysia Vanu Gopala Menon published a statement, saying he’s “appalled by the gratuitously offensive comments made by Jocelyn Chia”. He reiterated that Chia was no longer a Singaporean and that her views did not reflect those of the Singapore Government.
Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan on Thursday said that Singapore is sorry for the offence and hurt caused to all Malaysians over statements made by the comedian.
In a reply to a Twitter post by Malaysia’s former youth and sports minister Syed Saddiq, Dr Balakrishnan said he was appalled by her horrendous statements.
“She certainly does not speak for Singaporeans,” said Dr Balakrishnan, adding that Singapore treasures its “ties with family and friends in Malaysia”.
Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Zambry Abdul Kadir also condemned Chia’s “lack of sensitivity and empathy” towards Malaysians and the families of MH370 victims.
“This video also clearly depicts behaviour that is contrary to the values of Asian countries that are known for their manners and morals,” he said, according to Bernama.
“I believe this is not a stance or action accepted by any country let alone reflect the official stance of any government.”
Additional reporting by Fadza Ishak.