Culture & Entertainment · Malaysia Bureau
Umno figures demand apology from Sepang chief over religious joke
Senior Umno leaders have called on the Sepang municipal chief to apologise for remarks about Catholic clergy, citing the need for respect towards religious figures. The incident has sparked debate about the appropriateness of making religion the subject of humour in public discourse.
LSN Malaysia ·
Prominent Umno politicians have voiced concerns over comments made by the Sepang municipal chief involving Catholic clergy, demanding a formal apology from the official. Salleh Said Keruak, a senior party figure, stressed that religious leaders must always be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of political or personal differences. He underscored that members of the clergy occupy positions of spiritual significance and should not be subject to mockery or disrespectful remarks. Dr Akmal Saleh similarly criticised the comments, arguing that religion should not be weaponised or trivialised through jokes in any public setting. The two leaders' statements reflect growing sensitivity within Umno regarding interfaith relations and the conduct of government officials when discussing matters of faith. The incident comes amid broader discussions in Malaysia about maintaining religious harmony and ensuring public figures demonstrate appropriate decorum when addressing faith-related matters.