KUALA LUMPUR – Law enforcement must immediately probe Sepang Umno division chief Noorazli Said over a controversial speech at the 2026 Umno General Assembly that made Catholic priests and nuns the butt of a sexually charged joke, demanded National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang.
Noorazli triggered widespread backlash during his assembly speech after delivering a joke involving a priest and a nun that hinged on a punchline misattributing sexual innuendo to Psalm 129.
The incident sparked immediate outrage, prompting a police report and swift condemnation from political leaders across party lines, including Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh and Sabah Umno leaders who demanded a full public apology.
Urging authorities to act, Aaron stated that a thorough investigation should be launched to determine whether any laws were breached.
He pointed specifically to Section 298 (wounding religious feelings) and Section 298A of the Penal Code [Act 574], alongside relevant provisions under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 [Act 588].
The minister emphasized that regardless of context, targeting sacred figures or religious texts for humor is an absolute red line.
“Religion is not a laughing matter. Matters that are sacred and respected by a community should not be ridiculed, turned into sexual innuendo, or used solely to elicit laughter and applause,” Aaron said in a statement today.
He warned that such acts deeply offend believers and directly threaten the harmony of Malaysia’s multi-religious and multi-cultural society, stressing that freedom of speech and political rhetoric carry strict boundaries.
“The freedom to speak, engage in politics or make jokes does not mean one is free to violate the religious sensitivities and beliefs of others,” Aaron added, noting that this boundary applies to everyone, regardless of religion, race, status, or political affiliation.
While Aaron acknowledged that Noorazli has since issued a formal apology on social media after initially expressing a willingness to apologize, he insisted the episode must serve as a stark wake-up call for all leaders and public speakers to exercise caution when addressing sensitive topics.
He cited the fifth principle of the Rukun Negara—Kesopanan dan Kesusilaan (Good Behaviour and Morality)—as a non-negotiable standard for public conduct.
“In a multi-religious and multi-cultural country, this principle is not merely a saying, but a vital foundation for ensuring that differences are respected, sensitivities are safeguarded and harmony continues to be preserved,” he said. – September 15, 2026