TAMPARULI: Religious texts and sacred vows must never be turned into inappropriate political punchlines or jokes, said Tamparuli Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) chief Bonaventure Boniface (pic).
He said an insensitive joke involving a priest, a nun, and Psalm 129—reportedly made by an Umno delegate at the recent Umno General Assembly 2026—was deeply disappointing and unacceptable in a multireligious society.
Bonaventure stressed that Sabah’s harmony is built on mutual respect, understanding, and acceptance, noting that warnings by national leaders against touching on race, religion, and royalty (3R) must apply equally to all parties across every political platform.
He said the delegate should immediately retract the statement and issue an open, unconditional apology to the Christian community.
Politics may bring differences in policy and principles, but it should never divide the people through disrespect towards each other’s beliefs, Bonaventure added.
