Lau: Political humour should not come at religion’s expense

SIBU: Political humour may draw laughter, but it should never come at the expense of religious faith, says Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Youth Central chairman Councillor Kevin Lau Kor Jie.

He said remarks made during the recent UMNO (United Malays National Organisation)General Assembly 2026, which reportedly used a story involving a Catholic priest and a nun alongside a reference to Psalm 129, had crossed the line of political discourse by invoking religious figures and scripture in a manner he described as inappropriate and deeply insensitive.

Lau stressed that Catholic clergy should not be turned into political punchlines, while sacred scripture should be handled with accuracy and respect, particularly when referenced on a national political platform.

“If the reference to Psalm 129 was indeed inaccurate, the speaker should take responsibility by acknowledging the mistake, withdrawing the reference and issuing a clear public apology to the Catholic community and Christians in Malaysia,” he said in a statement today.

Lau, who is also SUPP Bawang Assan Branch chairman, said the issue should not be misconstrued as an attempt to restrict political speech or legitimate political criticism.

Rather, he said, it was a question of responsibility and restraint when political rhetoric touched on matters of faith in a country where people of different religions live alongside one another.

“Freedom of expression comes with responsibility, especially when addressing matters of faith in a diverse and multireligious country like Malaysia.”

Lau said political leaders and public figures should recognise that words delivered from a major political platform could carry consequences beyond the immediate audience, particularly when religious beliefs and sacred references were involved.

He maintained that political disagreements should remain focused on policies, leadership and governance instead of allowing religious identity or sacred teachings to become material for ridicule or political entertainment.

“We can disagree politically without disrespecting each other’s religion.”

Lau pointed out that political rhetoric should not be allowed to erode the mutual respect that underpins Malaysia’s multireligious society, saying religious harmony should remain a shared responsibility across the political divide.

“Political rhetoric must never come at the expense of religious harmony and mutual respect.”