Singapore sorry over ‘horrendous’ joke about missing Malaysian aircraft

ISTANBUL (AA): Singapore on Thursday apologized for “horrendous statements” by a comedian about Malaysia and its missing aircraft with hundreds on board.

“I am appalled by her horrendous statements. She certainly does not speak for Singaporeans,” said Singapore’s Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan about comedian Jocelyn Chia. “We treasure our ties with family and friends in Malaysia, and are sorry for the offence and hurt caused to all Malaysians.”

A viral video clip of Chia, a Singapore-born stand-up comedian, showed she joked about Malaysia and its missing MH370 aircraft — a traumatic event which affected thousands whose near and dear ones were among the victims.

Meanwhile, Vanu Gopala Menon, Singapore’s high commissioner to Malaysia, also issued a statement, distancing Singapore from jokes made by Chia.

He said the government does not condone the comedian’s words or actions.

“… 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 the statement shared via Facebook.

Kudsia Kahar, former president of Commercial Radio Malaysia, said on Twitter: “I am a huge supporter of standup comedians … But I draw the line at turning MH370 into a joke. Not acceptable.”

In March 2014, Beijing-bound Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 disappeared from radar shortly after it took off from Kuala Lumpur with 239 passengers and crew on board.

The jetliner has yet to be found despite massive search operations in the southern Indian Ocean where the aircraft was believed to have ended its flight after diverting from its original route.