MP condemns religious figures used in political jokes

KUCHING: Puncak Borneo MP Datuk Willie Mongin has strongly condemned the use of religious figures and sacred texts as material for political jokes, calling for greater respect.

He said remarks involving a Catholic priest, nun and reference to Psalm 129 during the recent UMNO General Assembly had crossed the boundaries of propriety.

“I strongly condemn the statement by Datuk Noorazli Said, who used the characters of a Catholic priest and nun as material for sexualised jokes,” he said in a press statement today (Sept 15).

Willie said the issue was not about differences in humour or whether the remarks were intended as jokes, but the context and sensitivity involved.

He said turning religious figures, religious life and scripture into sexualised humour was inappropriate in a multireligious country such as Malaysia.

“Scripture is not material to be distorted for laughter. Priests and nuns are not characters to be sexualised or ridiculed to convey political analogies,” he said.

He said the reference to Psalm 129 was also confusing, as its actual content did not convey the meaning portrayed in the remarks.

As a Sarawak representative, Willie said he understood the importance of preserving harmony in a society comprising different religions, races and cultures.

He said Sarawak had long demonstrated that religious differences need not prevent people from living peacefully while respecting and helping one another.

Willie questioned whether similar remarks would be regarded merely as jokes if religious figures from another faith had been used instead.

“We cannot have double standards when it comes to religious sensitivities. If we want our own religion respected, we must also respect the religions of others,” he said.

He acknowledged Noorazli’s subsequent statement expressing willingness to apologise if his remarks caused misunderstanding or offence, while maintaining that there was no intention to insult any religion.

However, Willie said any apology concerning religion and the dignity of its followers should be clear, public and unconditional, particularly towards Catholics and Christians offended by the remarks.

He also supported authorities assessing the matter professionally and fairly, including the full context of the remarks and their circulation on social media.

Willie urged all political leaders to exercise greater responsibility when discussing religion and avoid using sensitive issues to gain applause or political support.

“Political differences are normal, but the religion of the people must never become a tool of political games,” he said.

He said Malaysia’s diversity should be protected, describing Sarawak as an example of how people from different religious and cultural backgrounds could live together peacefully through mutual respect.

Willie stressed that respecting religions, religious figures, scriptures and their followers remained fundamental to safeguarding Malaysia’s harmony.