The relevant ministries and enforcement agencies should review and investigate remarks involving a Catholic priest and nun that were used as the subject of a joke during the 2026 UMNO General Assembly (PAU), if there were any elements of a legal offence, says National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang.
He said the freedom to speak, engage in politics or make jokes did not give anyone the right to disregard the religious sensitivities and beliefs of others.
Aaron stressed that the principle should apply to everyone regardless of religion, race, position or political affiliation.
“Whatever the intention behind an analogy, matters involving religious institutions, religious figures, holy scriptures or the beliefs of any community should not occur and must not be treated as trivial.
“Religion is not a subject for jokes. Anything regarded as sacred and respected by a community should not be mocked, turned into a sexually suggestive joke or used merely to draw laughter and applause,” he said in a statement on Tuesday.
Sinar Harian previously reported that Sepang UMNO division chief Datuk Noorazli Said had sparked controversy after recounting a joke involving a Catholic priest and nun, as well as a reference to a Psalm from the Bible, during his speech at PAU 2026.
The controversy intensified after Noorazli, who is also the UMNO Selangor spokesperson, said he was prepared to apologise if his remarks had offended anyone, while maintaining that the analogy was not intended to mock any individual, belief or religion.
Aaron said such remarks could hurt the feelings of religious communities and undermine the harmony that had been built over the years.
He therefore urged enforcement agencies to investigate if there were any elements of wrongdoing under the law, including Section 298 and Section 298A of the Penal Code as well as the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
At the same time, Aaron acknowledged Noorazli’s willingness to apologise over his remarks.
“I hope this matter serves as a lesson to all leaders, speakers and members of the public to be more careful in choosing their words, particularly when discussing matters involving religion and beliefs.
“This is also in line with the fifth principle of the Rukun Negara, Courtesy and Morality, which calls on every citizen to uphold proper conduct, speech and behaviour in society.
“In a country with diverse religions and cultures, this principle is not merely a phrase, but an important foundation for ensuring differences are respected, sensitivities are protected and harmony continues to be preserved,” he said.
