KUALA LUMPUR – The controversial “priest and nun” joke made by an Umno division chief has no place at official gatherings in Malaysia, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Malaysia (CBCM) said.
Kuching Archbishop Simon Poh said the remarks were particularly hurtful given the high regard in which priests and nuns are held, and the longstanding contributions of Catholic religious workers to Malaysian society.
“Jokes of this nature have no place in any official assembly in Malaysia and this incident is especially hurtful as it demeans priests and nuns, who are held in high esteem by the public.”
“For generations, dedicated nuns have given their entire lives to running hospitals, welfare institutions, schools that have served and educated Malaysians of all races and religions,” he said in the CBCM’s Malaysia Day message marking the country’s 63rd anniversary.
Poh was referring to an incident involving Sepang Umno division chief Datuk Noorazli Said, who was reported to have made the joke during the 2026 Umno General Assembly. The remarks were subsequently circulated widely on social media.
He said the public reaction was understandable, with some calling for legal action, a public apology, a retraction and appropriate redress over remarks they viewed as offensive to religious sensitivities.
Poh also called on Malaysians to exercise greater care when speaking about other races, religions and communities, particularly in a diverse society where insensitive remarks can deepen divisions.
“Let us reject all forms of political and even religious rhetoric, divisive language that hurts religious communities and fractures our multiracial society,” he said.
He said the call for greater harmony was especially pertinent this year as Kuching hosts the national-level Malaysia Day celebrations.
Poh said Malaysia’s geographical separation by the South China Sea, along with disparities in wealth, economic development, education and infrastructure, should not overshadow the country’s rich diversity of cultures, ethnicities and languages.
Drawing on his experience of living in Sarawak for most of his life, Poh called on Malaysians to strengthen their shared national identity and work towards the common good.
“Let us celebrate our blessings, be kind to each other and offer true Malaysian hospitality to all living among us,” he said.
He said Malaysia Day should also be an opportunity for Malaysians to move beyond hostility and embrace kindness, friendship and a stronger sense of shared identity as ‘anak-anak Malaysia’. – September 16, 2026