Malaysian groups call for Singaporean comedian to be banned for Najib jibe
Fakkah Fuzz. Photo: Facebook
SINGAPORE — At least two Malaysian groups have called on the government to ban Singaporean stand-up comedian Fakkah Fuzz from entering the country after he jokingly called Prime Minister Najib Razak a “thief” during a skit.
In the skit, which was posted on Facebook, Fakkah (a stage name) had remarked that Singapore Malays called a thief “‘pencuri”, while Malaysian Malays call a thief “perdana menteri” (prime minister).
UMNO’s youth wing chief in Selangor Zainuri Zainal said that Fakkah’s remarks were “disheartening” and could affect ties between the two countries.
“This should not have happened, taking into the consideration that both countries have enjoyed a good diplomatic relationship and have so long recognised our respective sovereignty,” Mr Zainuri said in a statement.
“The act of using a leader of a neighbouring country as a joke is not mature and does not respect the sovereignty of Malaysia... As citizens of Malaysia, Selangor UMNO Youth is affected by this rude joke and we call on the ministry to bar Fakkah Fuzz from coming into Malaysia. Fakkah Fuzz should not meddle in the matters of Malaysia,” he added.
The Malaysian Artistes Association on Monday (July 4) also called on the Immigration Department to blacklist the Singaporean stand-up comic.
The group, which claims to have 5,000 members, also wants the police to investigate the Singaporean comedian.
“We lodged a police report because what he said was an insult and it could ruin the good relations enjoyed by both countries,” Mr Hafiz Nafiah, the group’s secretary-general told reporters after lodging a complaint at the Dang Wangi police district headquarters.
“We also want the Immigration Department to blacklist his name and bar him from entering our country. We don’t need people like him here,” he added.
Asked if this meant the group of artistes also want any stand-up comic who poke fun at Malaysian leaders to be banned from entering Malaysia, Mr Hafiz said yes, adding: “At the moment that is our position.”
Fakkah issued an apology on his Facebook page last Saturday, and said that he did not intend to slander anyone.
“I would like to sincerely apologise if I unintentionally hurt my brothers and sisters across the causeway,” the comedian said in a video. “It was not my intention to hurt or cause unhappiness among anyone. Nor was I accusing anyone of anything. It was simply a joke based on current events.”
While Fakkah has taken down the offending video from his page, he acknowledged that his remarks had already been widely shared on other social media platforms.
“As much as many if you loved/liked/shared the video, there were a few that were very defensive towards my statements,” Fakkah said. “They are just jokes people. So I hope u guys can find it in your heart to chill a bit and just enjoy the next time I post something up.” AGENCIES
