Singaporean media outlets have come under fire from Khairy Jamaluddin (KJ), who recently expressed his discontent in a recent episode of his podcast Keluar Sekejap, with how they cover issues happening in Malaysia.
His frustration stems from Singaporean outlets consistently focusing on Malaysia’s shortcomings, particularly in the wake of negative events. But is this just sensational reporting, or is there a more calculated agenda at play?
SG still sees M’sia as a third-world country to this day
KJ has long been keeping tabs on how Singapore’s media covers Malaysia, especially during moments of crisis.
He referenced how incidents like the sinkhole in Kuala Lumpur quickly became major stories in publications like The Straits Times and Channel News Asia.
More troubling to him, however, was the critical tone and comparative angle taken by these outlets.
“Why is this happening? Is KL safe? Could this happen in Singapore? Of course not,” KJ mimicked, illustrating the way Singaporean media often draws comparisons between the two nations, casting Malaysia in a negative light.
Singapore and Malaysia are often seen as rivals
But is this simply about reporting facts? KJ hinted that there could be more to it.
Singapore and Malaysia are often seen as rivals, particularly when it comes to attracting international investment and businesses.
With Malaysia offering lower operational costs, the competition is fiercer than ever. In this context, KJ speculated that Singaporean media might strategically amplify Malaysia’s struggles to maintain Singapore’s image as the premier business hub in the region.
“When these issues arise, they’ll highlight them. Like, okay, Malaysia might look good, but actually, it’s still a third-world country with sinkholes!,” he said, suggesting that these stories may be part of a larger narrative meant to undermine Malaysia’s progress.
Singaporeans may take satisfaction in reading about their neighbour’s struggles
KJ also raised an intriguing point about audience preference. He believes there’s a demand for these stories, particularly among Singaporeans who may find satisfaction in reading about their neighbouring country’s difficulties.
From infrastructure problems to crime rates, these reports, according to KJ, help reinforce a sense of superiority for some Singaporeans.
Whether the coverage is intentional or a reflection of media sensationalism, KJ’s remarks raise a critical question: how do national media outlets shape international perceptions, and to what extent do they influence global competitiveness?
For Malaysia and Singapore, two countries in a constant race for regional prominence, this media dynamic may play a significant role in how each country is viewed on the world stage.
In the end, KJ’s critique opens up a broader conversation about media’s power to frame narratives—not just for entertainment or information, but as a tool in international rivalry.
Whether or not Singaporean media is consciously painting Malaysia in a negative light, the outcome is clear: perceptions are shaped, and these narratives can have lasting impacts on how countries are viewed and compared on the global stage.
Watch the clip here:
