PUTRAJAYA, Sept 15 2026 — National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang has called on the authorities to investigate remarks that made Catholic priests and nuns the butt of a joke during a speech at the 2026 UMNO General Assembly.
Aaron said a proper investigation should be carried out if any legal breach is found, including under Sections 298 and 298A of the Penal Code and relevant provisions of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
Regardless of intent, he said, jokes that touch on religious institutions, religious figures, sacred texts or the beliefs of any faith community should never be made and must not be treated lightly.
“Religion is not a laughing matter. Matters that are sacred and respected by a community should not be ridiculed, turned into sexual innuendo, or used solely to elicit laughter and applause,” he said in a statement today.
Such acts, he added, could hurt the feelings of religious followers and risk undermining the harmony built in Malaysia’s multi-religious and multi-cultural society.
Aaron stressed that the freedom to speak, engage in politics or make jokes does not give anyone licence to violate the religious sensitivities and beliefs of others. That principle, he said, must apply to all, regardless of religion, race, status or political affiliation.
He acknowledged the willingness of the individual involved to apologise, and hoped the episode would serve as a lesson for leaders, speakers and the wider public to choose their words more carefully, especially on matters of faith.
The stand, he said, is consistent with the fifth principle of the Rukun Negara, Kesopanan dan Kesusilaan, which requires every citizen to uphold good manners, speech and conduct in community life.
“In a multi-religious and multi-cultural country, this principle is not merely a saying, but a vital foundation for ensuring that differences are respected, sensitivities are safeguarded and harmony continues to be preserved,” he said.
The controversy followed a speech at the UMNO General Assembly in which Sepang UMNO chief Datuk Noorazli Said used a joke involving a Catholic priest and a nun while debating the presidential address.
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