By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Sept 16: Malaysians must reject all forms of political and religious rhetoric that sow division, hurt religious communities and fracture the nation’s multiracial fabric, Catholic Archbishop of Kuching Most Rev Dato Dr Simon Poh said in his Malaysia Day message following controversy over a viral “priest and nun joke” shared at a political party gathering.
Poh, who is also president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Malaysia (CBCM), said Malaysians should guard against prejudice, hatred and stereotyping when referring to one another’s race, religion or community, and instead embrace kindness, mutual respect and sincere friendship.
“As fellow citizens, let us watch our words and guard our hearts against prejudice, hatred, and stereotyping when referring to one another’s race, religion, or community,” he said in a statement issued in conjunction with the nation’s 63rd Malaysia Day celebration today.
Poh said he was deeply saddened by a recent incident involving Sepang Umno division chief Datuk Noorazli Said, who shared what he described as an inappropriate “priest and nun joke” during the party assembly that later went viral on social media.
He said such jokes have no place in official assemblies in Malaysia, particularly when they demean priests and nuns who have long been respected members of society.
“This incident is especially hurtful as it demeans priests and nuns, who are held in high esteem by the public,” he said.
Poh noted that for generations, Catholic religious sisters had dedicated their lives to serving Malaysians of all races and faiths through hospitals, welfare institutions and schools, making it understandable that many members of the public felt offended by the remarks.
He said many citizens had called for legal action, a public apology, a retraction of the joke and appropriate redress for what they viewed as an affront to public religious sensitivity.
The Archbishop made the remarks against the backdrop of Malaysia Day celebrations themed “Malaysia Madani: Kesejahteraan Dinikmati”, which promotes a vision of a progressive, inclusive and harmonious nation where prosperity is shared by all.
He also highlighted the recently concluded Malaysia Pastoral Convention, held in Sibu from Sept 9 to 13, which brought together about 1,000 Catholic delegates from Sabah, Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia, including cardinals, archbishops, bishops, priests, religious sisters and church leaders.
Describing the gathering as historic, Poh said delegates committed themselves to strengthening family life and youth development, environmental stewardship, welfare services for the poor and marginalised, and nation-building efforts centred on becoming bridge-builders within society.
The convention, held days before Malaysia Day, reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to fostering friendship and understanding across regions and communities despite differences in geography, economic development and cultural backgrounds.
“The Catholic Church acknowledges that while Malaysia is geographically divided by the South China Sea, we are deeply enriched by the diverse gifts of our cultures, ethnicities and languages,” he said.
Poh said the convention had inspired Malaysian Catholics to embrace their shared responsibility in nation-building by living as good neighbours and strengthening ties between Peninsular Malaysia and the Bornean states of Sabah and Sarawak.
Having been born just months before the formation of Malaysia in 1963 and having spent his life in Sarawak, Poh said he had always known the State as a land of harmony, sincere friendship and authentic mutual respect.
He urged Malaysians to use Malaysia Day as an opportunity for reflection and renewal.
“May this Malaysia Day offer us all an opportunity to reflect on our identity as anak-anak Malaysia, to care for one another, and to experience a true conversion of heart — moving away from hostility and toward kindness and sincere friendship,” he said.
Poh added that Malaysians should be grateful for the country’s blessings and continue extending hospitality and goodwill to one another.
“From the land of harmony in Sarawak, on behalf of my brother Bishops and the Catholic Community in Malaysia, I wish you a very blessed 63rd Malaysia Day. Selamat Hari Malaysia.” — DayakDaily
