KUALA LUMPUR: Singapore’s High Commissioner to Malaysia Vanu Gopala Menon said he is appalled by the “gratuitously offensive comments” on Malaysia made by stand-up performer Jocelyn Chia.

He said Chia’s statement does not in any way reflect Singapore’s view.

“I am appalled by the gratuitously offensive comments made by stand-up performer Jocelyn 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 apologize to all Malaysians for her hurtful remarks,” he said in a statement today.

The High Commissioner’s apology came in the wake of the offensive joke made by the lawyer-turned-comedian on the ill-fated Malaysian carrier MH370 that went missing on March 8, 2014, as well as the state of developments in Malaysia.

Vanu Gopala said as closest neighbors, Singapore and Malaysia enjoy a strong and multi-faceted relationship with deep and cross-cutting ties while both countries 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,” he added.

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir expressed regret and condemned Chia who in a video recording was shown disparaging Malaysia and making fun of the MH370 tragedy.

He said in a statement that the act by the woman showed a total lack of sensitivity and empathy towards Malaysians and the victims’ families.

Chia’s video mocking Malaysia in a recent comedy show titled “Singapore vs Malaysia” in New York had gone viral.

Read:

1. Malaysia condemns Singaporean comedian’s offensive jokes: Zambry
2. Singapore High Commissioner apologizes to Malaysians over comedian’s offensive joke
3. Nazri on Jocelyn Chia: who cares?
4. Jocelyn Chia’s social media accounts disabled, Singaporeans find her jokes not funny
5. Parliament: Comedienne’s jokes on MH370 condemned