Afdlin Shauki retracts support for Crackhouse Comedy Club

PETALING JAYA: Comedian Datuk Afdlin Shauki, who previously opposed the closure of the Crackhouse Comedy Club, has changed his stance.

In a Facebook post Thursday (July 14), the 51-year-old Afdlin insisted that he would not compromise on any act of insulting religion on the comedy stage.

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He was referring to a controversial video involving a woman who took off her baju kurung and headscarf, revealing a low-cut blouse and short skirt underneath during a performance and a viral post where a Muslim woman was allegedly “chosen’ to open the lid of an alcoholic beverage in a performance at the club.

"Based on the latest information that has been given to me by friends and as I explained yesterday through a 'live' feed with Amin Idris, I strongly condemn any act of insulting religion on the comedy stage.

"Even if it doesn’t involve a lot of people, and if it continues, it will become cancerous. The acts of insulting the religion that I am proud of make me disgusted and I can no longer support Crackhouse Comedy Club,” he wrote in his post.

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According to him, his previous support was only to support the livelihoods of comedians as they needed a platform to perform.

“My previous support was only for the continuation of the livelihood of comedians who mostly have quality comedy and do not insult anyone,” he said.

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He advised stand-up comedians to find an alternative platform to perform as this issue will continue to be prolonged.

“I pray that the comedians who are affected will always be protected during these trying times and may you be increased in sustenance.

“We should let the authorities do their job and if they are convicted, they must receive retribution,” he said.

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On Wednesday (July 13), Siti Nuramira Abdullah, 26, who was arrested on July 9, and her boyfriend, who was arrested on July 11, were charged in court with insulting Islam and improper use of network facilities. Both pleaded not guilty and claimed trial.