KUALA LUMPUR: Singapore High Commissioner to Malaysia Vanu Gopala Menon today expressed his dismay at the "gratuitously offensive comments" made by stand-up performer Jocelyn Chia in New York recently.
"The Singapore Government does not condone words or actions that cause harm or hurt to others and Chia," he said, stressing that Chia was "no longer Singaporean" and that she did not "in any way reflect our (Singapore's) views."
"I sincerely apologise to all Malaysians for her hurtful remarks," he said in a statement.
"As our closest neighbour, Singapore and Malaysia enjoy a strong and multi-faceted relationship, with deep and cross-cutting ties.
"We also have unique historical and close people-to-people ties," he added.
Vanu further said comments such as those made by Chia were "unhelpful and undermine the close trust and friendship that both our countries and peoples enjoy.
In an 89-second video clip posted on Chia's Instagram account on Tuesday, Chia joked about Malaysia being a developing country that is still far behind and was once "abandoned" by Singapore.
She went on to say that Malaysian airplanes "can't fly," referring to Malaysian Airlines flight MH370, which went missing on March 8, 2014.
This statement drew the ire of Malaysians.
Chia's Instagram page and Twitter account are no longer available.
On her website, Chia is said to be a lawyer turned comedian originally from Singapore.
She is reportedly a regular at the best New York City comedy clubs including the Comedy Cellar and Gotham Comedy Club.
