Umno figures demand apology after politician jokes about Catholic clergy

In Sabah, senior Umno figures have publicly condemned a joke made by Noorazli that referenced Catholic priests and nuns, labeling it unacceptable regardless of intent. Salleh Said Keruak, a former state chief minister, backed MP Tangau’s demand that the Sepang chief apologise openly, emphasizing the need for respect toward all religions. Akmal also called for a public apology, drawing a parallel to how Muslims would react to a similar joke about an imam.

The Catholic Lawyers’ Society of Kuala Lumpur said it will file a police report, seeking a full retraction and apology, and warned against using religious texts for political humor. Noorazli’s punchline was said to derive from Psalm 129, a claim that is factually incorrect. The incident highlights longstanding interfaith tolerance in Sabah and the pressure on politicians to observe it.