10-6-2023 (KUALA LUMPUR) Around 100 individuals gathered outside the United States Embassy in Kuala Lumpur on Friday to protest against comedian Jocelyn Chia’s offensive comments about Malaysia and the missing Malaysia Airlines MH370 aircraft during a recent performance in the United States.
The demonstrators consisted of members from the Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition’s Umno Youth, the Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) Youth, and the People’s Progressive Party (MyPPP), a former BN component party.
Jocelyn Chia, a former lawyer turned comedian, shared an 89-second video clip of her stand-up routine on Instagram earlier this week. In the clip, she made jokes about the rivalry between Singapore and Malaysia and used profanity-laden remarks targeting Malaysians in the audience.
Chia, who is originally from Singapore, is currently based in New York.
The protesters marched from a nearby mosque to the embassy after Friday afternoon prayers, chanting slogans such as “Go! Go, Go, Go, long live youth chief, God is great,” referring to Umno Youth chief Muhamad Akmal Saleh.
Approximately 80 police officers were present to monitor the protest, and an area in front of the embassy was cordoned off. The demonstration began around 2:30 pm and concluded after 45 minutes.
Chia’s remarks deeply offended many Malaysians, especially as she made jokes about the MH370 tragedy. Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 departed from Kuala Lumpur for Beijing in March 2014 but never reached its destination. The plane, carrying 227 passengers and 12 crew members, has yet to be located.
Dr. Akmal, the main speaker at the protest, condemned Chia’s jokes and emphasized that freedom of speech should not come at the expense of sensitive issues for Malaysians.
“We urge the government to ban Ms. Jocelyn from entering Malaysia,” he stated during a press conference on Friday.
Dr. Akmal further emphasized that individuals like Chia should not instigate conflicts between Malaysia and Singapore, as both countries have a relationship built on understanding each other’s sensitivities.
Umno Youth submitted a protest letter to the US Embassy, calling on them to convey the memorandum to the relevant authorities within the US government. The letter seeks a thorough investigation into the incident and appropriate measures to address the situation.
“As an embassy representing the United States, a country known for its commitment to diplomacy and inclusiveness, it is imperative to address this issue promptly and take appropriate action. I trust that the US Embassy will take the necessary steps to address this incident, foster cultural sensitivity, and uphold the values of mutual respect and understanding that are essential to the relationship between our two nations,” the letter stated.
Sathiah Sudakaran, the youth chief of MyPPP, expressed his concerns that Chia’s actions were disturbing the peace and harmony between Malaysia and Singapore.
Meanwhile, Nicole Wong Siaw Ting, the MCA Youth chief who was present at the protest, revealed that even her children were bothered by Chia’s jokes.
“We understand that it was a stand-up comedy act, but it is not funny when you attack MH370, as families are still mourning for their loved ones,” Wong told reporters on Friday. “I hope she learns from this lesson and becomes more sensitive.”
On Thursday, Dr. Akmal announced that Chia’s act was an insult that could not be accepted by Umno Youth and Malaysians. He directed a member of Umno Youth’s executive committee to file a police report against her, addressing delegates at the youth wing’s meeting.
