KUCHING: National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang has urged relevant ministries and enforcement agencies to scrutinise and investigate remarks involving religious figures made during the recent 2026 UMNO General Assembly if there are elements of a breach of the law.
He said the controversy over remarks that used Catholic priests and nuns as material for a joke should be taken seriously, stressing that religion, religious institutions, religious figures, scriptures and beliefs should not be treated as subjects of humour.
“I therefore urge the relevant ministries and enforcement agencies to examine the matter and conduct the necessary investigation if there are elements of a breach of the law, including under Sections 298 and 298A of the Penal Code [Act 574], as well as relevant provisions under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 [Act 588],” he said in a statement today.
Aaron stresses that regardless of the intention behind an analogy, jokes touching on religious institutions and beliefs should not occur or be regarded as trivial.
He said there are boundaries that must be respected in a country whose people comprise various religions, cultures and beliefs.
“Religion is not a subject for jokes. Matters that hold sacred value and are respected by a particular community should not be ridiculed, made the subject of sexually suggestive jokes or used merely to elicit laughter and applause.
“Such actions can offend religious adherents and undermine the harmony that we have built together over the years,” he said.
He said that the freedom to speak, engage in politics or make jokes did not mean that anyone is free to violate the religious sensitivities and beliefs of others.
He said the principle must apply to everyone regardless of religion, race, position or political ideology.
Aaron also took note of the individual’s willingness to apologise over the remarks, and hoped the incident would serve as a lesson to all leaders, speakers and members of the public to exercise greater care in choosing their words, particularly when discussing matters related to religion and belief.
He said this was also in line with the fifth principle of the Rukun Negara, Kesopanan dan Kesusilaan, which requires Malaysians to uphold proper conduct, speech and behaviour in society.
“In a country that is diverse in terms of religion and culture, this principle is not merely an expression, but an important foundation to ensure differences are respected, sensitivities are preserved and harmony continues to be safeguarded,” he said.
