According to multiple reports, Malaysian authorities have contacted Interpol to track down the American comedian over a joke related to the 2014 disappearance of a Malaysia Airlines flight.
Singapore-raised American Jocelyn Chea is under investigation by Malaysian authorities after she performed a comedy routine at New York City’s famed The Comedy Cellar venue in April, CBS News report. In her daily routine, Chia said that while the city-state of Singapore, which temporarily became part of Malaysia after the end of British colonial rule, is a “first world country,” Malaysia is “a country where planes cannot fly. ’” he told the audience. .
Malaysian police have asked Interpol to track down American comedian Jocelyn Chea, who joked about the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines flight MH370. https://t.co/y8wVFU7Z6u
— CBS News (@CBSNews) June 15, 2023
Malaysia Airlines MH370 Had disappeared No trace was left in March 2014, and despite years of searching, the main fuselage was never found, and all 239 people on board were presumed dead. (Related: Searching for MH370 will not find the answer to one of the world’s greatest aviation mysteries)
Bhanu Gopala Menon, Singapore’s ambassador to Malaysia, denounced the practice, saying Mr Chia was not a spokesperson for Singaporeans. “Singapore government will not tolerate words or actions that harm or hurt others,” he said. according to New Straits Times. Menon also stressed that Chia “is no longer Singaporean” and she “does not reflect our opinion in any way,” the paper said.
“I sincerely apologize to all Malaysians for her hurtful remarks,” Menon continued.
Singapore’s Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan also condemned Chea’s remarks as “horrible” and apologized for “hurting all Malaysians” with the comedian’s remarks, CBS News reported.
Malaysian National Police Chief Akyl Sani Abdullah Sani announced on June 13 that he would apply to the International Criminal Police Organization on Wednesday to obtain Chia’s “complete identity” and “up-to-date whereabouts”, the BBC said. the news reported. report. Chia is being investigated under Malaysia’s public indecency law, which carries a maximum sentence of two years in prison, CBS News reported.
Interpol did not say whether it would comply with the request from Malaysian authorities, but BBC News reports that the international police network has told law enforcement authorities in member countries to identify suspects for criminal prosecution in advance. and can issue a “red notice” requesting provisional arrest. to their handover.
Chia Said CNN claimed her joke was taken out of context. “I stand by my jokes, but with a few caveats. I think it would have been dangerous to have it as a clip that would be viewed off-screen,” she said.
