EVERYONE deserves a second chance where there is genuine contrition, and Jocelyn Chia is no different.
It is never too late to apologise and express remorse. People make blunders and perhaps, Jocelyn had not realised the mega fallout when too much liberty is taken with freedom of speech till it is abused.
Perhaps, Jocelyn was not aware that her family name and members would be dragged down too by default, besides Singapore and the schools and university she attended.
The women’s wing of MCA (Wanita MCA) does not believe that you were raised with a deep-seated hatred of Malaysia – devoid of empathy and care for humanity and to demean departed souls or missing persons in whatever circumstances.
We would believe that your immediate family members – who too are hurt and lost for words – never foresaw this level of antics from you.
Any reasonable person would have empathised with the families of the `
Following the backlash against your expletives and proverbial spitting, there are reports that your social media accounts have been disabled.
This does indicate that you are in one way or another affected by the outcry from both Malaysia and Singapore.
Retorting with defiance is not wise nor nice as your contents were certainly not a “joke” but instead, insensitive, crass and repugnant.
Wanita MCA would want to believe and hope that you still carry some iota of conscience and values.
There is still time to rebuild your life anew. A simple yet sincere apology, messages of condolences and prayers for the MH370 passengers, crew members who perished, and their surviving next-of-kin can contribute towards the healing process.
Even Singapore, whose citizenship you left behind, has taken the initiative via its High Commissioner H.E. Vanu Gopala Menon to apologise “for (your) hurtful remarks.”
Meanwhile, Singapore Foreign Minister H.E. Vivian Balakrishan has tweeted “We are sorry for the offence and hurt caused to all Malaysians” in a reply to Muar MP Syed Saddiq.
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.
— Vivian Balakrishnan (@VivianBala) June 7, 2023
There are also reports of Singapore citizens lodging police reports in the city-state, criticising Jocelyn on social media besides complaining to the comedy club ie Comedy Cellar (in New York) which hosted her skit.
Any right-thinking person will have difficulties accepting the harsh and offensive language and contents of your sarcasm. – The Vibes, June 10, 2023
Wong You Fong is the national chairperson of Wanita MCA, the women’s wing of the Malaysian Chinese Association
