KUALA LUMPUR: Jokes mocking religious figures should not be dismissed as merely being in poor taste as they also risk undermining Malaysia’s social harmony, says unity advocate Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye (pic).
He also took to task some public figures whose words or actions showed how far they stand from the principles of courtesy and morality emphasised in the Rukun Negara.
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Referring to a joke made during the recent Umno general assembly that mocked Catholic priests and nuns, Lee said the incident highlighted concerns over using religion to entertain or provoke audiences.
He said the call by Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang for an investigation should serve as a reminder that Malaysia, as a multiracial and multi-faith nation, must uphold mutual respect.
"In a nation made up of many faiths and backgrounds, jokes that mock religious figures offend and fray the ties that hold us together," he said when contacted on Wednesday (Sept 16).
Lee said the public must see that protections for religious respect are applied promptly and consistently, without exception.
"When people’s most sacred beliefs are mocked, minority communities can feel unwelcome and overlooked," he said.
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Lee added that mutual respect was essential to maintaining national unity, warning that careless remarks could gradually erode the trust between communities.
He also expressed concern that politicians sometimes resort to provocative or insensitive remarks to stir up their audiences.
"For them, earning a cheer seems to matter more than treating others with basic decency," he said.
Lee stressed that freedom of speech should not be used as a justification to insult others or create division.
"Moments like this test whether our shared values apply equally to everyone," he said.
He said the Rukun Negara’s emphasis on courtesy and morality should be reflected in the conduct of public figures.
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"This incident shows how far some public figures stand from those very principles.
"Parties should help their members understand that basic respect is not optional – it is essential," he said.
Although an apology was eventually offered over the remark, Lee said the incident should be a warning about the need to safeguard Malaysia’s social cohesion.
"Malaysia’s harmony is something we nurture every day. It should not be put at risk by one thoughtless speaker," he said.
Lee also called on political parties to adopt clearer and more respectful guidelines governing speeches and remarks made by speakers at major gatherings.
