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Kota Kinabalu: The fallout arising from what was supposed to be a joke implicating the Catholic faith by an Umno delegate at its recent assembly has riled up more quarters and at least two police reports have been lodged.
Sabah PKR warned Umno that political rhetoric involving religion could damage public harmony, adding no political gain is worth risking the trust and peaceful relations among Malaysia’s diverse communities.
Its Deputy Chairman, Datuk Peto Galim, said political leaders must exercise great responsibility when addressing sensitive religious issues.
He also criticised the tendency for politicians to offer explanations or apologies after public outrage had erupted.
The remarks concerning priests, nuns and the Bible were allegedly made by Umno Sepang division chief Datuk Noorazli at its General Assembly.
Peto said PKR Sabah would also lodge a report and urged the authorities to investigate fully and determine whether any offence had been committed.
“This is not simply a matter of political rhetoric. When a political leader makes remarks touching on another faith, there must be accountability for the consequences,” he said.
He said the issue should not be reduced to a political quarrel between rival parties because its impact could be felt by ordinary Malaysians living in diverse communities.
Peto warned that insensitive religious remarks could create mistrust, deepen communal tensions and strain the everyday relationships that hold Malaysia’s multi-religious society together.
“Religion is not a weapon for political mobilisation. The harmony we have built over the years cannot be gambled away simply to secure political applause or short-term political gains,” he said.
“Political differences can be debated. Policies can be challenged. But religious sensitivities must not be turned into political ammunition.
“No political leader should be above the law. The same standards of responsibility must apply regardless of party, position or political influence,” he said.
Gagasan Rakyat Keningau Youth Vice Chief Daniel Dilliam said such behaviour crossed the boundaries of mature politics and is completely unacceptable in a multi-racial and multi-religious country like Malaysia.
He said the issue is not simple political rhetoric or light banter, but an irresponsible act that touches upon the sensitivities of the Christian community.
According to him, religion and holy scriptures are spiritual foundations that must be respected, not used as political jest, and every leader carries a moral duty to safeguard inter-ethnic harmony.
Pertubuhan Ethnik Gana Sabah (PEGS) President Julian Favianus Lian Likang @ Mohd Hafiz said the Bible, priests and nuns carried deep religious significance for Christians and should not be turned into subjects of humour in a manner that could cause offence.
“Religious matters are not something to be played with or turned into entertainment. This is especially so when such remarks are made from the platform of a major political party with significant influence in society,” he said.
PEGS also questioned the alleged use of a passage from the Old Testament, Psalm 129, as a source of humour during Norazli’s speech.
PBS Tamparuli Chief Dr Bonaventure Boniface said the remarks were not just in poor taste, but dangerous and deeply hurtful.
Sayang Sabah Community Club Deputy President, Steve Johnny Mositun said religious figures, sacred scriptures and the beliefs of any community should not be the subject of jokes.
Steve said freedom of speech or humour should not be used as an excuse to disregard religious sensitivities, especially when priests, nuns and references to sacred scriptures were involved.
He said inaccurate references to religion could also confuse the public and create the impression that sacred texts could be quoted at will simply to generate laughter.
Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Vice President Sim Fui said the joke caused concern among the Christian community and should not be taken lightly.
“Politics may involve different views, and there can certainly be humour, but religion should never be used as material for jokes containing sexual innuendo or derogatory implications,” he said.
Former Member of Parliament for Tawau, Datuk Seri Christina Liew said seasoned politicians should be mindful of religious sensitivities in our community, and be able to distinguish right from wrong, thereby setting a good example to today’s younger generation and to the future generation of leaders.
“We cannot afford to be disrespectful to fellow Malaysians of a different faith. Preserving racial and religious harmony is one of the key principles for national unity and peace,” she said.
