KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 26 — Singaporean comic Gurmit Singh, best known for his portrayal of that loveable contractor in yellow boots on TV, is coming back to Malaysia next month.

Over the years, Gurmit has become synonymous with popular sitcom character Phua Chu Kang, with that memorable boast of being the “best in Singapore, JB, and some say Batam.”

He even made it to Malaysia to star in a local spin-off that spanned two seasons, Phua Chu Kang Sdn Bhd.

Ahead of his return to Malaysian shores as the moderator for the Laugh Die You II — The Mob comedy show, Gurmit gave Malay Mail Online a modest yet catchy description of his brand of humour: “Low class, no intelligence, simple, spontaneous.”

He does not rehearse his jokes, with his comedy based loosely on a guideline and actually coming from his interaction with audience members who have joined him on stage.

As a family man, Gurmit said he tends to see humour from a different perspective — that of a father, adding: “And as a result, I have been told I am very good when doing comedy with children as participants on stage.”

In fact, he quit his full-time job at Singapore’s MediaCorp just last year to spend more time with his wife, and three children aged 18, 14 and two respectively.

“My jokes are usually the clean ones because that is the way I was brought up. I hardly cuss and that only happens when I am really, really. really mad which is rare. Haha,” the 50-year-old told Malay Mail Online in an email interview when asked if there were any topics he considered taboo in both Malaysia and Singapore.

And really, he just wants to make us laugh.

“Most, if not all, comedians just want to make people laugh. To forget about their worries for a little while and take a break.

“And when we can achieve that, we comedians feel happy too that we put a smile on someone’s face,” said Gurmit, who has been performing since 1994 and was inspired by great comedians such as the late Robin Williams, Jim Carrey and Jerry Lewis.

The multi-talented Gurmit, who professes a love for singing, confirmed that he will be singing at the Laugh Die You II — The Mob show.

Any “warning” for those coming to see the show on October 1 and 2? He said all people have to do is just come to relax and enjoy and “leave their worries at the front door.”

Below are excerpts of our interview with Gurmit Singh:

What is your favourite food in Malaysia? What is your favourite food in Singapore?

I can’t choose just one dish from either country because they have so much to offer. I like nasi kandar, nasi lemak, Hainanese chicken rice, laksa, prata, nasi biryani, char kway teow, pizza, BBQ ribs, and the list goes on and on and on

Tapir and Merlion. Which one would you choose to have as a pet if you were a zookeeper? Or do you have other animals in mind? Is being a zookeeper your dream job?

Neither cos I wouldn’t know how to look after them haha.  Having said that, though, I used to want to be a zookeeper when I was a boy. I love all animals, even till today. So who knows, maybe one day I will become a zookeeper after all.

What is your favourite movie and TV series (besides Phua Chu Kang)? Why?

Again hard to choose because there are different genres to choose from. So from each genre there are a few that I like but can’t choose which is the best one. The latest movie I liked was Birdman starring Michael Keaton. I was blown away by the acting and the camera style. I was raving so much about it, my family bought me the DVD.

What is the difference between the Singaporean and Malaysian sense of humour? What do both Singaporeans and Malaysians find funny?

Honestly, I don’t think there is much, if any, at all. I think that is why Phua Chu Kang did so well in both countries. After all, we were from the same country.

What is the most touching moment in your career as a comedian? What insulted you the most in your career as a comedian?

Most touching was when a mother came to me and said, “It must be such a blessing to know you make people happy.” Most insulting — I am still waiting for it. Will keep you posted.

Do you ever get bored of wearing the Phua Chu Kang outfit? Is the mole and wig annoying? Are the yellow rubber boots squeaky and stuffy? Would you feel comfortable if you were asked to wear the Phua Chu Kang get-up the whole day?

Never got bored and don’t think I ever will. I am very comfortable in the get-up and am very used to it. I was wearing the disguise all day already when filming for the TV series and the movie. No problem whatsoever.

Going along with the morbid title of the Laugh Die You 2 show, how would you like to be remembered when you die? What would you like to have inscribed on your tombstone?

On my tombstone: “Good husband, father and friend.”

* For those who want to catch Gurmit in his Phua Chu Kang boots and other comedians this October 1 and 2 at the HGH Convention Centre, Kuala Lumpur, get your tickets here: http://www.vip.my/laugh-die-you-2/