Johor-born comedian Ronny Chieng granted US citizenship

Malaysia-born comedian and actor Ronny Chieng is now a United States citizen.

His new citizenship status was revealed in a Apr. 5 The Daily Show clip, where he was congratulated all of a sudden by actor Bill Murray.

Surprise announcement

Chieng was in the midst of answering an audience member's question when Murray strolled on stage, which surprised Chieng and the audience.

It appeared unrehearsed.

Murray said: “They said that you’re very excited today because you just found out you’ve become an American citizen.”

Chieng received a standing ovation from the audience.

He nodded and said it was “a crazy, crazy day" and thanked Murray.

Murray then kissed Chieng on the side of his head before both Americans saluted each other.

Chieng had just attended his citizenship interview earlier that day, he revealed.

“It’s a crazy experience to become a U.S. citizen the same day you’re supposed to interview Bill Murray,” the host said.

“They ask you, like, 100 questions. It’s questions which I bet none of you can f***ing answer."

“I had to memorise how many colonies there were, and there was, like, a state, and who’s the president right now."

“It was very difficult.”

Chieng was raised in Singapore and later in the United States.

He launched his comedy career in 2009.

Chieng joined The Daily Show in 2015 as a senior correspondent.

He is known for his routine as an angry correspondent making political observations and reacting to the news of the day.

Some Malaysian media have highlighted that Chieng would need to renounce his Malaysian citizenship to be a U.S. citizen as Malaysia does not recognise dual citizenship status.

Top photos via The Daily Show