Kota Kinabalu: Sabah Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup (pic) has strongly denounced remarks by Sepang Umno chief Datuk Noorazli Said during the 2026 Umno General Assembly concerning Christianity, priests, nuns and the Bible.
Arthur, who is also Pensiangan MP and Sook assemblyman, described the speech as inappropriate, excessive, and unreflective of political maturity.
He said political differences do not grant anyone a licence to mock the religion and beliefs of others merely to elicit laughter or applause.
It is deeply disappointing that more than six decades after the founding of a multi-racial and multi-religious Malaysia, some leaders still choose to turn religion into political jokes, he added.
Arthur, who is also Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister, reminded political leaders that 3R issues concerning race, religion, and the royal institution cannot be treated lightly, stressing that the Federal Constitution and laws must be respected to maintain public order and communal harmony.
He pointed out that BN is built on unity, stability, and inclusivity, adding that the coalition cannot advocate unity while allowing other faiths to be mocked for political amusement.
He said that treating such remarks as mere jokes cannot excuse the sensitivity and impact caused once boundaries of decency and leadership responsibility are crossed.
Arthur demanded that Noorazli make an unreserved open apology, particularly to Malaysian Christians hurt by the speech, while urging all politicians to avoid stoking sentiments and instead foster community unity.
