Kota Kinabalu: Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Vice President Sim Fui (pic) said religion should never be turned into a political joke, following a recent joke involving a Catholic priest and nun at the Umno General Assembly.
Sim, who is also Api Api Division Chairman, said the incident had caused concern among Christians and should not be taken lightly, particularly in Sabah where people of different faiths and ethnic backgrounds have long lived in harmony.
“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.
He said his stand was not aimed at any political party, stressing that the same respect accorded to Islam should also apply to Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism and other religions.
Sim said the individual concerned, who had indicated a willingness to apologise, should do so sincerely, clearly and unconditionally to Christians who were offended, adding that Sabahans cherished religious harmony and mutual respect.
