SINGAPORE – Singapore-born comedian Jocelyn Chia’s comments about a missing Malaysian Airlines plane have been criticised by Singapore’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan and the Republic’s high commission to Malaysia.

In a tweet posted on Thursday, Mr 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.”

Mr Balakrishnan’s comments were in response to a tweet by Malaysian politician Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahma who said that Chia turning a tragedy into a source of entertainment is “just in bad taste”.

Chia, who is no longer 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,” Chia said to laughter and audible gasps from the crowd.

Chia added: “Why, Malaysian Airlines going missing not funny huh? Some jokes don’t land.”

Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Zambry Abdul Kadir said in a statement on Wednesday that Chia showed a “total lack of sensitivity and empathy towards Malaysians and victims’ families.

“This video also clearly depicts behaviour that is contrary to the values of ...