No News Is Bad News
No such thing as comedian or comedy in Malaysia and Singapore
KUALA LUMPUR, June 8, 2023: What is the definition of comedian and comedy?
According to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comedian: (Definition of comedian) A comedian or comic is a person who seeks to entertain an audience by making them laugh. This might be through jokes or amusing situations, or acting foolish (as in slapstick), or employing prop comedy. A comedian who addresses an audience directly is called a stand-up comedian.
A popular saying often attributed to Ed Wynn attempts to differentiate the two terms:[1]
"A comic says funny things; a comedian says things funny."
This draws a distinction between how much of the comedy can be attributed to verbal content and how much to acting and persona.[citation needed]
Since the 1980s, a new wave of comedy, called alternative comedy, has grown in popularity with its more offbeat and experimental style. This normally involves more experiential, or observational reporting (e.g., Alexei Sayle, Daniel Tosh, Malcolm Hardee). As far as content is concerned, comedians such as Tommy Tiernan, Des Bishop, Kevin Hart, and Dawn French draw on their background to poke fun at themselves, while others such as Jon Stewart, Ben Elton and Sarah Silverman have very strong political and cultural undertones.[citation needed]
Many comics achieve a cult following while touring famous comedy hubs such as the Just for Laughs festival in Montreal, the Edinburgh Fringe, and Melbourne Comedy Festival in Australia. Often a comic's career advances significantly when they win a notable comedy award, such as the Edinburgh Comedy Award (formerly the Perrier comedy award). Comics sometimes foray into other areas of entertainment, such as film and television, where they become more widely known (e.g., Eddie Izzard, Lee Evans). A comic's stand-up success does not always correlate to a film's critical or box-office success.
The definition aside, to the layman, a comedian is a joker not to be taken seriously as his or her job/profession is to make his/her audience laugh. Period.
However, in Malaysia and Singapore, comedians are taken seriously, so much so that they have been taken to court and convicted.
And the kiasu (fear of losing) island state of Singapore is a level ahead of Malaysia - it strips you of your citizenship!
So, comedians in Malaysia and Singapore, take note. You may be the best in the job but it is likely that you will run foul with the governments or politicians who take your jokes seriously word for word per se.
So, for those who are serious in their profession in comedy, venture overseas (not in Malaysia and Singapore) and be prepared not to return to your country of birth.
There is no place for comedians who are good and effective in their job of making you laugh as it is no joke to be taken seriously.
No News Is Bad News reproduces two news reports of the fate of comedians who were taken seriously by governments and skewered politicians and three-related news reports:
MALAYSIA
Comedian who ridiculed MH370 no longer Singaporean: high commissioner
Jocelyn Chia’s ‘hurtful remarks’ do not reflect country’s views, he says
Updated 4 hours ago · Published on 08 Jun 2023 9:58AM
Singaporean High Commissioner to Malaysia Vanu Gopala Menon (pic) has apologised to Malaysia for the actions of stand-up comedian Jocelyn Chia, who mocked the MH370 tragedy, and for the harm caused to the trust and friendship between the two nations. – @SenatorRasAdiba Twitter pic, June 8, 2023
KUALA LUMPUR – Stand-up comedian Jocelyn Chia has been confirmed to be no longer Singaporean following her viral video of a contentious comedy skit that mocked the MH370 tragedy, irking Malaysian netizens.
Singaporean High Commissioner to Malaysia Vanu Gopala Menon expressed his dismay at Chia’s performance, remarking it as unhelpful to the bilateral relationship between the nation and Malaysia.
“I am appalled by the gratuitously offensive comments made by stand-up performer Jocelyn Chia,” he said in a statement.
“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,” he added, apologising to Malaysians.
Vanu said both nations enjoy a multi-faceted relationship with unique historical and interpersonal ties.
As such, Chia’s “hurtful remarks” have undermined the close trust and friendship that both nations enjoy, he added.
Stand-up comedian fined RM8,000 after pleading guilty to alternative charge
Siti Nuramira Abdullah pleaded guilty to deliberately wounding the religious feelings of others during her stand-up comedy act.
BernamaApril 17, 2023 6:03PM
Siti Nuramira Abdullah at the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court, April 17. Photo: Bernama
Siti Nuramira Abdullah, who caused a controversy with her comedy act at a comedy club last year, was fined RM8,000 by the Sessions Court today.
Judge N Priscilla Hemamalini pronounced the sentence after Siti Nuramira, 27, pleaded guilty to an alternative charge of deliberately wounding the religious feelings of others during her stand-up comedy act.
She allegedly committed the offence at the Crackhouse Comedy Club in Taman Tun Dr Ismail at 6pm, on June 4, 2022, under Section 298 of the Penal Code.
The court also ordered the accused to be sentenced to four months' jail if she failed to pay the fine. The accused has paid the fine.
The defence was to carry out the cross-examination of the prosecution’s first witness, Muhammad Asyraf Kamal Musthaffa, today, but deputy public prosecutor Abdul Malik Ayob informed the court that the prosecution had offered the accused an alternative charge under Section 298 of the Penal Code.
"The prosecution is offering the alternative charge after the Attorney-General’s Chambers received the accused’s representation on March 16," Malik said, urging that the sentence imposed on the accused reflect the seriousness of the case, as her actions had gained public attention.
"Even though the sentence under Section 298 is lower, it does not mean the offence is not serious.
"Malaysia is a multiracial and multicultural country, and to protect its harmony, no one should deliberately hurt the feelings of the followers of any religion. The accused could have performed a stand-up routine without referring to any religion because religion should not be used as material for jokes," he said.
Lawyer R Sivaraj, representing Siti Nuramira, sought a lighter fine on the basis that his client had no previous criminal record.
"The accused’s guilty plea today saves the court time and costs. After my client was charged in court, she never performed any comedy act or anything related to the offence. She does not have a social media account, and has kept to herself and not courted other controversies.
"This case became a hot topic until it went viral last year. This has caused a drastic change in the accused’s lifestyle personally, mentally and socially.
"Her experiences of being arrested, remanded in lock-up and jailed for around 10 days are more than enough as a lesson to her," the lawyer said, adding that his client had repented and apologised for her actions.
MALAYSIA
Problem solved, no need for DAP to apologise to Umno: Zahid
Party president reminds grassroots not to be swayed by unity govt’s detractors
Updated 3 hours ago · Published on 08 Jun 2023 3:24PM
Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (pic) has dismissed claims by Umno Youth chief Muhamad Akmal Saleh, who had earlier urged DAP to issue a public apology to Umno over condemnations
BY Qistina Nadia Dzulqarnain
KUALA LUMPUR – There is no need to push DAP for further apologies as the matter has already been settled with the Pakatan Harapan component party, Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said.
Speaking at a press conference during the party wing’s general assembly today, Zahid dismissed claims by Umno Youth chief Muhamad Akmal Saleh, who had earlier urged DAP to issue a public apology to Umno over condemnations voiced when the two parties were rivals.
“This matter (an apology to Umno from DAP) should not be raised anymore. There is no need to repeat an issue that has already been agreed upon.
“During discussions to form the unity government, this (DAP apologising) was one of the main conditions we had set, and they agreed 100%,” he said when asked by reporters to comment on Akmal’s assertions.
Zahid, who is also deputy prime minister, added that Umno grassroots members should not be influenced by those who are uneasy with the unity government’s existence and stability, which the Barisan Nasional linchpin is part of.
“For the grassroots, we have certain techniques to explain (Umno’s role in the unity government). I believe that we have clearly informed members about the matter,” he said.
In his policy speech to thousands of Umno Youth delegates, Akmal had suggested that DAP should apologise to Umno for any insults the latter had thrown Umno’s way in the past.
He said that this will “soften the hearts” of Umno supporters, in light of the upcoming elections set to be held in six states.
Pointing to how DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke had previously apologised to the people of Sarawak and the state government for any offensive statements that his party members had issued, Akmal said that Umno should be afforded similar considerations.
Jocelyn Chia skit: let authorities deal with it
Meanwhile, Zahid also said that he is leaving it up to the authorities to investigate stand-up comedian Jocelyn Chia’s skit, which mocked Malaysians and the MH370 tragedy.
“We will leave it up to the relevant authorities, including the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commision and the Royal Malaysia Police, to initiate investigations and take the necessary actions,” he said briefly.
Video clips of Chia’s show have recently made the rounds on social media and incited the ire of Malaysians, who took offence to the vulgar language used by the performer.
Umno Youth also intends to take to the streets tomorrow to voice their dissatisfaction over Singapore-born Chia’s performance by submitting a protest letter to the US Embassy here. – The Vibes, June 8, 2023
Let bygones be bygones, Ronnie Liu tells Umno
The DAP leader says it is pointless to argue who was right or wrong in the past.
Elill Easwaran - 08 Jun 2023, 3:03pm
DAP central executive committee member Ronnie Liu said Umno and Pakatan Harapan leaders should see each other as competitors and not enemies.
PETALING JAYA: DAP central executive committee member Ronnie Liu has urged Umno to forget about the past and work together for the sake of the country.
“Let bygones be bygones. Now that we are both partners in the unity government, there must be unity among the party leaders and grassroots,” he told FMT.
Liu, the Sungai Pelek assemblyman, said Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Barisan Nasional (BN) can work hand in hand to stop racism and religious bigotry.
“That’s what the Malaysian people want for now,” he said.
He said party leaders should see each other as competitors instead of enemies.
“In the past, DAP and Umno were in different camps and had differences in ideologies, opinions and policies. That’s normal in a democratic environment.
“It is pointless now to argue who was right and who was wrong in the past,” he said.
He also said the upcoming state elections can serve as an opportunity for PH and BN to convince the people that both camps can work together for the people.
“We should put the people before party interests,” he said.
Earlier today, Umno Youth demanded an open apology from DAP for accusations levelled at the party when they were political rivals.
Umno Youth chief Akmal Saleh said the apology was necessary if DAP wanted to win the backing of the Malays and Umno supporters in the upcoming state elections.
“If they can apologise to Gabungan Parti Sarawak, why not to us?” he said, referring to the ruling coalition in the East Malaysian state.
However, Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi played down the call for an apology and said there is no need to prolong the issue.
MALAYSIA
Umno Youth to gather at US Embassy over ‘insulting’ comedy skit
Muhamad Akmal Saleh also urges peers to make police report on matter
Updated 5 hours ago · Published on 08 Jun 2023 1:16PM
Umno Youth chief Muhamad Akmal Saleh has urged Malaysians to protest against Jocelyn Chia’s skit which mocked Malaysians and the MH370 tragedy. – AZIM RAHMAN/The Vibes file pic, June 8, 2023
BY Qistina Nadia Dzulqarnain
KUALA LUMPUR – Umno Youth has urged Malaysians to take to the streets to voice their displeasure over stand-up buffoon Jocelyn Chia’s skit which mocked Malaysians and the MH370 tragedy.
Speaking during the party wing’s general assembly today, its chief Muhamad Akmal Saleh said that the wing will not ignore the insults hurled by Singapore-born Chia during her performance at a club in New York.
Video clips of Chia’s show have recently made the rounds on social media and incited the ire of Malaysians who took offence to the vulgar language used by the performer, who also poked fun at the disappearance of flight MH370.
“I have already ordered my Umno Youth executive councillors to make a police report on the matter. We also plan to gather in front of the US Embassy here tomorrow at about 2.30pm to submit a letter expressing our disapproval (towards Chia’s actions).
“If you are brave enough, we will see you at the embassy tomorrow,” Akmal said to rounds of cheers and applause from thousands of delegates present at the World Trade Centre here today.
Explaining that the protest will be held at the US Embassy as Chia is no longer a Singaporean citizen, he also pushed for the Malaysian government to ban her from stepping foot on Malaysian soil ever again.
Earlier today, Singaporean High Commissioner to Malaysia Vanu Gopala Menon had expressed his dismay at Chia’s antic, remarking that it is unhelpful to the bilateral relationship between the nation and Malaysia.
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir has also expressed his regret and condemnation of the incident, claiming that the act showed a total lack of sensitivity and empathy towards Malaysians and the families of MH370 victims. – The Vibes, June 8, 2023
TikTok takes down comedian’s video of MH370 joke
The video falls under hate speech, says a representative of TikTok.
FMT Reporters - 09 Jun 2023, 12:08am
Jocelyn Chia, a Singapore-born stand-up comedian, encountered controversy over her remarks about Malaysia and the missing MH370 aircraft. (Twitter pic)
PETALING JAYA: The short-video hosting service TikTok has taken down a stand-up comedian’s video of her joke on the missing MH370 aircraft, according to a representative of the social media platform.
Sinar Daily quoted the representative as saying Jocelyn Chia’s video had breached community guidelines and contained hate speech. In the clip, she was reported to have made insulting remarks about Malaysia’s economic development and the missing Malaysian aircraft.
The TikTok spokesman said TikTok “is a diverse and inclusive community that does not tolerate discrimination. We do not allow content that contains hate speech or that involves hateful behaviour, thus we have removed it from our platform”.
Checks on Chia’s TikTok account confirmed that the video was no longer on her profile, with the last video posted on April 26.
In a clip that has gone viral since yesterday, Chia is heard using profanities to insult Malaysia.
She also boasted about how Singapore was now a first world nation despite its then prime minister crying on TV after it was forced to leave Malaysia, which remains a “developing country”.
Upon realising that a group of Malaysians was in the audience, she went on to berate them using profanities and with a serious look on her face, before bursting into laughter.
“Now you come saying hey Singapore, you are looking good lah. When we asked why you haven’t visited me in 40 years, you said your airplanes cannot fly. Malaysian airlines going missing is not funny huh? Some jokes don’t land,” she quipped.
The Malaysia Airlines aircraft went missing en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing on March 8, 2014. All 227 passengers and 12 crew aboard are presumed dead, but the fate of the aircraft remains a mystery.
Singapore’s foreign affairs minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan later apologised for Chia’s remarks, saying he was appalled by the “horrendous statements”.
The Singapore high commissioner to Malaysia, Vanu Gopala Menon, said Chia was no longer Singaporean. “The Singapore government does not condone words or actions that cause harm or hurt to others, and Chia does not reflect our views in any way,” he said. - FMT
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