Vivian criticises Singapore-born comedian's remarks about MH370

Foreign Minister apologises for hurt caused; Malaysians upset and say joke crossed a line

- Wong Shiying and Lok Jian Wen

Singapore-born comedian Jocelyn Chia's comments about a missing Malaysia Airlines plane have been criticised by Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan and the Republic's High Commissioner to Malaysia.

In a tweet posted on Thursday, Dr Balakrishnan said: "I am appalled by her horrendous statements. She certainly does not speak for Singaporeans. We treasure our ties with family and friends in Malaysia and are sorry for the offence and hurt caused to all Malaysians."

His comments were in response to a tweet by Malaysian politician Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, who said that Chia turning a tragedy into a source of entertainment was "just in bad taste".

Chia, who is no longer a Singaporean, had joked about the MH370 tragedy during a recent stand-up comedy show in the United States that poked fun at the rivalry between Singapore and Malaysia.

The aircraft left Kuala Lumpur for Beijing in March 2014 but never arrived. To date, it has not been located.

In an 89-second video clip of her set posted on Instagram, Chia said: "Now, Malaysia, you all are trying to come around, like, 'Hey Singapore, you're looking good lah'. And we're like, 'I know, but why haven't you visited me in 40 years?'" 

"And (Malaysia's) like, 'Yeah I tried, but you know, my airplanes cannot fly,'" she said, to laughter and audible gasps from the crowd.