By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Sept 16: Sepang Umno Division chief Datuk Noorazli Said’s apology over remarks involving a Catholic priest, a nun and the Holy Bible must be clear, sincere and unequivocal, says Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) secretary-general Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew.
In a statement today, Ting acknowledged Noorazli’s explanation that he did not intend to insult any faith, but stressed that public figures must remain accountable for their words, particularly when speaking from prominent political platforms.
“Public leaders must appreciate that words spoken from a prominent political platform carry considerable weight and consequences,” he said.
Ting also stressed that religious figures, sacred scriptures and religious institutions should not be used as material for crude or sexually suggestive humour.
He said Malaysia’s multi-ethnic society depends on mutual respect, placing a responsibility on political leaders to safeguard racial and religious harmony.
Ting also pointed to Sarawak’s longstanding culture of interfaith tolerance as an example of how Malaysians can respect their differences while remaining united.
“This Sarawak spirit should serve as an example of how Malaysians can respect differences while remaining united as one people,” he said.
He stressed that mutual respect must apply equally across all faiths, with conduct considered offensive when directed at one religion likewise unacceptable when directed at another.
Ting also called for any legal or formal complaints arising from the incident to be investigated fairly and impartially, without fear or favour.
He concluded by calling for greater maturity in political discourse and urging political leaders not to exploit or trivialise religion for popularity.
“Political leaders should be building bridges between communities, not creating unnecessary hurt or division,” he said. — DayakDaily
