Jokes – let’s crack up, not crack down


Harith's comment on social media about the recent “ham and cheese” controversy has led to an uproar. —LOW LAY PHON/The Star

IT’S no laughing matter when police reports are lodged against a stand-up comedian like Harith Iskander or when a cartoonist like Fahmi Reza ends up in lock-up while under remand.

It gets even less funny when Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri issues a warning about making jokes that “cross the line”.

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Wong Chun Wai , On the beat
Wong Chun Wai

Wong Chun Wai

Wong Chun Wai began his career as a journalist in Penang, and has served The Star for over 35 years in various capacities and roles. He is now group editorial and corporate affairs adviser to the group, after having served as group managing director/chief executive officer. On The Beat made its debut on Feb 23 1997 and Chun Wai has penned the column weekly without a break, except for the occasional press holiday when the paper was not published. In May 2011, a compilation of selected articles of On The Beat was published as a book and launched in conjunction with his 50th birthday. Chun Wai also comments on current issues in The Star.

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