Malaysian actor Ronny Chieng calls Singapore 'country of small island Karens'

Malaysian actor-comedian Ronny Chieng. Photo from Chieng's Instagram

As reported by The Straits Times, Chieng made a post on his Instagram on March 21 stating: "It’s a mistake to listen to any Singaporean about current affairs other than Mr. Lee Kuan Yew."

"They are merely a country of small island Karens with main character syndrome who genuinely believe they hold all the answers, despite lacking any global perspective."

The Independent Singapore explains that the term "Karen" refers to a slang for a predominantly middle-class white American female characterized by her entitlement and propensity to use her privilege to demand her way, often through complaints when her expectations are not met and insisting on speaking to a manager.

Furthermore, the phrase "main character syndrome" is identified as a widely recognized concept indicating a proclivity for egocentrism, wherein people see themselves as the pivotal character in every scenario, as delineated by Malay Mail.

The screenshot of his post quickly spread on Reddit, triggering a variety of reactions. Some shared Chieng’s viewpoint, with one internet user remarking: "Well... even though I am a Singaporean, I’d say he’s not wrong."

However, some interpreted his remarks as perpetuating the historical competition between Malaysia and Singapore, dismissing them as a conventional Malaysian critique of their adjacent nation.

"It’s a Malaysian thing to hate Singaporeans," read a comment. "To be Malaysian is to hate Singaporeans."

Chieng, 38, who underwent his educational years in Singapore and whose mother resides in Singapore, has not consistently shown a negative attitude towards the metropolis.

In a podcast from 2021, he advised choosing Singapore over Malaysia for those looking to begin their exploration of Asia, commending its safety and the convenience of English being spoken by everyone.

Furthermore, he advocated for Singapore’s healthcare system on an edition of the American late-night program "The Daily Show," underscoring its innovative integration of free-market and socialist policies.