KOTA KINABALU: All religions and religious figures must be treated with respect, says former Sabah chief minister Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak.
He said Selangor Umno treasurer and Sepang division chief Datuk Noorazli Said’s inappropriate remarks referring to the Bible and Catholic priests and nuns during the party's recent annual general assembly were wrong.
"Whatever the intention, making sexual jokes involving nuns and Catholic priests is unacceptable.
"Religion and religious figures must always be treated with respect," Salleh, who is also Sabah Umno treasurer, said in a social media post on Monday (Sept 14).
Salleh said Noorazli should apologise openly and sincerely, and that this is not about politics but about respect, responsibility and knowing where the line should be drawn.
ALSO READ: Umno leader must apologise for vulgar joke involving Catholic priest, says Tuaran MP
He said in Sabah, Muslims, Christians and people of other faiths have lived together in mutual respect for generations and this spirit of tolerance as well as harmony is something that must always be protected.
"When something is wrong, we should have the courage to say so, regardless of who is involved," he added.
Sayang Sabah Community Club deputy president Steve Johnny Mositun, meanwhile, described Noorazli’s actions as insensitive and unacceptable.
He said no one should make fun of any religion or religious figures at any stage, especially in a national political arena.
He said Malaysia, as a multiracial and multireligious country, should protect its peace and harmony by adopting mutual respect at all times.
Mositun said leaders should know better and use their wisdom when speaking.
He said inaccurate references to Bible verses and wrong interpretations of religious content could confuse and send false messages to the public.
He said leaders and politicians, regardless of rank or position, must always show a high level of awareness especially when given a national platform to speak.
This is because what they say is heard not only by their supporters but also by other communities.
"I hope this matter will serve as a stern reminder to all so that they will be careful with their choice of words and refrain from using religion to make jokes that might offend others or disrupt the harmony in Malaysia," Mositun added.
