The notion that only Malaysians have the right to poke fun at Malaysia has long been ingrained in our society.
However, in light of the recent controversy surrounding ex-Singaporean comedian Jocelyn Chia's show, it's worth considering whether this notion is valid, given the historical relationship between Malaysia and Singapore.
Photo via New Straits Times
Lee Chong Wei, the legendary shuttler, took to Facebook to address this issue and suggested that both Malaysians and Singaporeans should let go of their intense competitiveness.
In his post, he expressed his disappointment with the use of low jokes, emphasizing the longstanding love and camaraderie between the two nations.
Lee Chong Wei emphasized the importance of fostering goodwill and tolerance among communities, rather than perpetuating division…
His message was clear: "Spread love, not hate, people. If you don't know how to joke, there's no need to do anything. Just sit back, relax, and let the names I mentioned do their work."
He concluded by reminding everyone that Malaysia and Singapore are inseparable, reinforcing the idea of unity and togetherness.
" Haiya.... wanna do such low jokes ka? Malaysians and Singaporeans always love each other . Why liddat why liddat ?...
Posted by Lee Chong Wei 李宗伟 on Wednesday, 7 June 2023
As Southeast Asians, it is vital for us to support and uplift one another, particularly in the face of racism from the Western world.
Let us remember the importance of kindness and compassion in our interactions. By standing together and promoting understanding, we can create a more harmonious and inclusive society.
