You can count on Ronnie Chieng to have Malaysia's back. Photo: AFP
US-based Malaysian comedian Ronny Chieng and Hong Kong-American actor Jimmy O. Yang recently had a debate session on the entertainment news portal Complex.
During the session, the pair, who are currently starring together in the comedy series Interior Chinatown, were asked to choose the GOAT (greatest of all time) Asian country.
Yang, 37, was initially hesitant to name a favourite but ultimately chose Japan, praising its futuristic qualities, particularly its high-speed rail.
Chieng, 39, groaned at the common choice and joked that it’s a country “any white person” would pick.
When it was his turn to answer, Chieng proudly sang our nation’s iconic “Malaysia Truly Asia” tourism jingle, adding that our country has “the best food in the world”.
Yang then teased the Johor-born, claiming his Instagram was filled with content mocking Malaysians and Singaporeans.
However, Chieng quickly denied it, clarifying: “No, I never hate on Malaysians.”
“Just Singaporeans?” Yang asked, to which Chieng quipped, “And Australians.”
Many locals have since flooded the comments, applauding Chieng for consistently hyping Malaysia whenever he gets the chance.
“I’m glad he hasn’t forgotten where he comes from,” said one netizen.
“Always putting Malaysia on the map,” added another.
“No matter where we are, Malaysia is always in our heart,” said a third.
This isn’t the first time Chieng has poked fun at Singapore.
Earlier in March, the Crazy Rich Asians star ruffled some feathers after labelling Singaporeans as “Karens with zero perspective on the world”.
He went to school in the Lion City before enrolling at the University of Melbourne in Australia.
