More than 100 people gather in front of US Embassy to protest against Jocelyn Chia
VEISHNAWI NEHRU
KUALA LUMPUR - More than 100 people took part in the demonstration organised by Umno Youth against controversial stand-up comedian Jocelyn Chia held in front of the US Embassy earlier today (Friday).
Its chief, Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh said Chia's remarks have hurt Malaysians and the families of MH370 victims.
"This is something that is unacceptable by all Malaysians, and we are here today to show that we are infuriated by the uncalled-for remarks.
"We wanted to go to the Singapore High Commission, but they have issued a statement saying that Chia is not a Singaporean.
"We know now that Chia is currently residing in the United States of America. Hence why we are here at the US Embassy to submit a memorandum from Umno Youth to the ambassador or representative ambassador," he said.
He said the protest was peaceful and hoped that the matter could be solved as soon as possible.
"We also strongly condemn this act. This is not freedom of speech. This is insensitivity.
"Comedy is comedy, but it should be based on facts, and comedy should be done with courtesy.
"We in Malaysia are urging the government to ban Chia from entering our country, and we also lodged a police report against Chia yesterday," he said.
He said that both nations have forged a strong and good relationship that should not be tainted by the remarks of insensitive people.
"We know that Singaporeans are good people. We know and understand their sensitivity, and vice versa.
"Therefore, we don't welcome anyone who is a threat to this good relationship that we share, so that we can stay peaceful," he advised.
A video surfaced on social media on Thursday depicting Chia during a stand-up routine at Comedy Cellar in Manhattan, New York, making jokes that insult Malaysia's economic development and the tragic disappearance of MH370.
She later asks members of the audience where they were from, to which one person answered Malaysia. She responded by saying, "F--k you a--holes".
