Malaysia flight MH370 disappeared nearly ten years ago but still stands as an unbelievable mystery. While everyone from conspiracy theorists to the families of those on the flight sought answers, Malaysia tends to keep quiet on this sensitive topic. Enough that if it is spoken of in the wrong light, the country will come to you. An American comedian happened to joke about the disappearance of the flight, and now Malaysia is asking Interpol to help find them.
Comedian Jocelyn Chia was performing at the Comedy Cellar in New York City around April, when she came to the topic of the relationship between her native Singapore and Malaysia, CBS news report. According to the story, Chia mentioned that the “city-state has since become a” first world country and that “Malaysian planes can’t fly”. She added, “Malaysian Airlines disappearance is not fun at all. Some jokes don’t land.
Predictably, social media has exploded, enough for it to attract the attention of Malaysian authorities. In a tweet, Singapore’s Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said he was “appalled by her appalling statements” and referred to the close relationship Malaysians have with their families. Things were taken to a whole new level on June 13, when the head of police in the southern Malaysian state of Johor Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani announced that authorities had appealed to Interpol for help in locating them. Chia’s mind.
If you are confused by the sudden escalation, Malaysia has strict laws regarding mischief in public. If Chia is found and taken to Malaysia, she could go to jail.
In a dire situation, Chia doesn’t seem to mind any of it and stands up to her joke. She explained to BBC news that things have been overblown and she’s not mocking what happened, she’s just trying to find humor in the tragedy. She used the example of comedians in the US joking about 9/11. “Americans may appreciate a harsher, sharper, and more direct humor than in Asia, where the stand-up comedy scene is still in its infancy. You won’t find many edgy comedies in Asia,” Chia said.
She even appears to be using the situation for influence and publicity, mentioning the possibility of a Netflix special in a tweet.
