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Harith Iskandar, also known as the Godfather of Stand-Up Comedy in Malaysia, recently talked to IRL and shared how Malaysian comedians have been under the spotlight since the incident that shut down the Crackhouse Comedy Club.
Ever since then, the press and authorities would ask comedians, “What are you going to say?” “How are you going to tell your jokes now?”
After being hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, Malaysia as a country is still in its recovery stage, economically and socially.
Add that to the dissolution of Parliament and the 15th General Election just around the corner to crown the ‘potential’ new government, which one may find there is not much of a choice anyway, Malaysians could use a little laugh or two.
And now with the upcoming General Election and a potential change in government, what’s in store for the future of stand-up comedy in Malaysia?
Read the full story to see how Harith Iskandar plans to bring comedy back to Malaysia!
So usually, with us comedians, we would’ve had a briefing or a discussion before actually going on stage. “We would talk about the boundaries.”
For open mic shows, anybody can come up and “be a comedian”! But they don’t know what is acceptable to say onstage.
Often, these people would purposely say something shocking that could get a reaction from others.
From a comedy club’s perspective, they would now have to come up with a new rule where they brief everyone who comes onstage. This is also meant to reassure the authorities that something is being done about it (since the last controversial performance that shut down Crackhouse Comedy Club).
What We Cannot Speak Of…
Regarding topics we are not allowed to discuss, it’s always best to avoid making jokes about the Royal family and monarchy.
I usually advise comedians; “If you’re merely trying to get laughs in this industry, but the jokes made bring no positive change to your life, then don’t make that joke… Find a different joke. If you’re a good comedian, you would not need to find inspiration for jokes in controversial matters.”
M’sian Comedians & Actors Are Hated For Being Involved With Politics?
The problem with politics anywhere, with any party members, is that they tend to carry the ‘baggage’ of the party they are under – without even realizing it is their own ‘baggage’.
I would not want to join any party because then I’d be burdened by past issues that have already been associated with certain parties. Those who enter the political game are almost always automatically hated by society.
And yeah, we get that this is the negative part of it, but it’s really up to them, and I can only hope they can do some good while they are a ‘party member.’
Society’s Perception Of Comedians Only Making Jokes About Barisan Nasional
What many don’t know about comedy is that the jokes are based on easy topics.
The jokes are meant to be known and usually involve something relatable, an experience everyone goes through.
Thus, we make jokes about politics because it is a strong, well-known topic. Even in America, who do they make jokes about? The jokes are all about Biden; they laugh at Trump. But they never made jokes about the opposition because there’s no fun.
Let me tell you this; when Pakatan Harapan won back in 2018, comedians were making jokes about Pakatan then! They would stop making jokes about Barisan Nasional at that point because Barisan had lost.
To tell you the truth, people don’t make jokes to target the government specifically; they’re not necessarily anti-government. They joke about this because it’s a topic that’s being discussed.
“Sometimes, when I’m asked to advertise for, let’s say, Petronas, they’re asking me to make a joke that says something good about them.”
I won’t be able to do it. No one would laugh at the ‘good things’. That’s why people say, ‘oh, comedians only talk badly about the government.’
What Malaysians Do Best
It’s not about what the comedians say. It’s about what the audience wants. And I know, deep in my heart, that Malaysians love a good laugh, and we laugh at ourselves the best.
I’ve been to a lot of countries; I’ve met a lot of nationalities. Yet, we Malaysians are the best at laughing at ourselves.
We can sit at a mamak or anywhere and make fun of ourselves. But now, people are starting to think: “This is too sensitive; that is too sensitive.”
Our Comeback!
So, that’s why I told myself that I wanted to have a big concert to tell Malaysians to just “Relazz Laa”.
Just chill! It’s all jokes and only meant to make you laugh. There is never any intention to harm or hurt; if you meet any comedians, you will realize that.
Why is our show called Relazz-Lah? It’s because Relazz is the main sponsor of our show. Relazz by Aemis is a sleep-enhancing product. It also helps relax and calm us down, especially for those living in such a hectic, urban world.
Malaysians have the most amazing sense of humour and we are the first to laugh at ourselves! Anyone who comes to the show will recognise that there is no better way to deal with the absurdity that is life, than with a good laugh!
RELAZZ LAH MALAYSIA is brought to you by Aemis Relazz – Malaysia’s premier sleep enhancement beverage that comes in an easy “tear and drink” sachet! Being such an important comedy show of the year, it is only fitting that the event takes place at the newly opened ZEPP KL, which is a 6,500 sq ft event space that promises only the best facilities and even better live event experiences.
Speaking of which, among some of the local comedians that will be joining Harith in performing during the show includes:
- Prakash Daniel – Has made stellar appearances in the Crackhouse Comedy Club KL, TimeOut KL Comedy Thursday, and Comedy Kao Kao, among others;
- Mad Sabah – Performed on Komediri, Maharaja Lawak Mega, Lawak Solo, and Konsert Hausboom 2022, among others;
- Brian Tan – Performed at the prestigious Melbourne International Comedy Festival in 2015 and featured in the ‘How You Started Lah?’ podcast episode with Gajen Nad, among others;
- A surprise guest comedian (whose identity will only be revealed on the day of the show)
To secure tickets to RELAZZ LAH MALAYSIA, visit https://thejokefactory.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/90709 or WhatsApp to +6013-390 7165. Tickets will be available within the price range of RM188 – RM388.
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