By DayakDaily Team
PUTRAJAYA, Sept 15: The controversy surrounding remarks by Sepang UMNO chief Noorazli Said, which saw Catholic priests and nuns become the subject of jokes at the 2026 UMNO General Assembly, has prompted National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang to call for the matter to be reviewed by his ministry and the relevant enforcement agencies.
Aaron said jokes about religious institutions, religious figures, holy scriptures, or the beliefs of any group should not occur or be treated as trivial, regardless of the intention behind the analogy.
“There are boundaries that must be respected in a country whose people comprise various religions, cultures and beliefs. Religion is not a subject for jokes,” he said in a statement shared on his social media today.
He stressed that matters holding sacred value and respected by a community should not be mocked, made the subject of sexually suggestive jokes, or used merely to elicit laughter and applause, as it could offend religious believers and undermine the harmony built over the years.
He added that freedom of speech, politics or humour did not mean that individuals were free to violate the religious sensitivities and beliefs of others.
“This principle must apply to all parties regardless of religion, race, position or political ideology,” he said.
In view of the controversy, Aaron said he had requested the ministry and relevant enforcement agencies to examine the matter and conduct an appropriate investigation if there were elements of a violation of the law.
“This includes under Sections 298 and 298A of the Penal Code [Act 574], as well as relevant provisions under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 [Act 588],” he said.
Aaron also noted the individual’s willingness to apologise for the remarks, while hoping the matter would serve as a lesson to leaders, speakers, and members of the public to be more careful in choosing their words, particularly when addressing matters related to religion and beliefs.
He said the matter also aligned with the fifth principle of the Rukun Negara, Courtesy and Morality, which requires every citizen to uphold proper conduct, speech and behaviour in society.
“In a country that is diverse in religion and culture, this principle is not merely a phrase, but an important foundation for ensuring differences are respected, sensitivities are preserved, and harmony continues to be upheld,” he said. — DayakDaily
