NATIONAL Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang has called on the relevant ministries and enforcement agencies to look into remarks made by an UMNO delegate — specifically a joke involving a priest and a nun during the 2026 UMNO General Assembly (PAU).
He stressed that an appropriate investigation must be conducted if there are elements of legal violations, including under Sections 298 and 298A of the Penal Code [Act 574] and relevant provisions of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 [Act 588].
He said that regardless of the intent behind an analogy, jokes touching upon religious institutions, religious figures, holy scriptures, or the beliefs of any group of believers should not occur and cannot be dismissed as trivial matters.
Viewing the controversy seriously, he reminded everyone that there are boundaries that must be respected in a nation where the people comprise diverse religions, cultures, and beliefs.
“Religion is not a subject for jokes. Matters held sacred and respected by a community should not be mocked, turned into sexually-charged humour, or used solely to elicit laughter and applause.
“Such actions can offend the feelings of religious adherents and undermine the harmony we have built together over the years,” he said in a statement today.
Aaron added that the freedom to speak, engage in politics, or tell jokes does not imply the freedom to disregard the religious sensitivities and beliefs of others.
He stated that this principle must apply to everyone, regardless of religion, race, position, or political affiliation.
He noted the individual's willingness to apologise and expressed hope that the incident would serve as a lesson for all leaders, speakers, and the public to be more circumspect in their choice of words, particularly when addressing matters of religion and belief.
“This aligns with the fifth principle of the Rukun Negara—Courtesy and Morality—which requires every citizen to uphold proper decorum, speech, and conduct in social interactions.
“In a multi-religious and multicultural nation, this principle is not merely a slogan but a vital foundation for ensuring that differences are respected, sensitivities are safeguarded, and harmony is preserved,” he said.
Earlier, various parties had urged Sepang UMNO Division Chief Datuk Noorazli Said to publicly apologise following a speech in which he made jokes about a priest and a nun while debating the UMNO President’s policy speech at the 2026 UMNO General Assembly last Saturday.
In response, Noorazli expressed his willingness yesterday to apologise and later did so if his remarks had caused any misunderstanding or offended any party, particularly the Christian community. – September 15, 2026
