KUCHING: Political discourse should not cross the line into touching on the sanctity and sensitivities of any religion, especially for the sake of strengthening a political argument.
Tellian assemblyman Royston Valentine said religious beliefs and institutions should not be used as material for political jokes, sarcasm or attacks, stressing that Malaysia’s multi-religious society required all parties to uphold mutual respect.
Royston said this in a statement following remarks by Sepang UMNO chief Datuk Noorazli Said, who had used an analogy involving priests and nuns during the recent UMNO general assembly.
“I understand that analogies may be used to convey certain political messages in a way that is more engaging and easier to understand.
“However, not everything should be made a subject of humour, especially when it involves religion, religious institutions and individuals who hold sacred positions within religious institutions,” he said in a statement.
As a Christian-elected representative from Sarawak, Royston said he viewed the matter seriously given the state’s long-standing history of preserving harmony among people of different faiths and beliefs.
He said the spirit of mutual respect is among Sarawak’s strengths and should continue to be upheld within the wider Malaysian context.
“Political ideologies may differ, and views and proposals may conflict. But the religion and beliefs of the people should not be used as material to provoke laughter or gain political support,” he said.
Royston stressed that he had no intention of prolonging the issue or turning it into a dispute between political parties.
“However, I believe there is a line that we must respect together, which is not to touch on the sanctity and sensitivities of any religion merely to strengthen a political argument.
“Use simple language and there is no need to resort to elaborate analogies to attract listeners’ attention to understand the substance of a speech if doing so means sacrificing inter-religious harmony,” he said.
He also called on Noorazli to publicly apologise to the Christian community over the remarks, regardless of whether the analogy was made intentionally or otherwise.
Royston said an apology should not be viewed as a sign of weakness, but rather as a demonstration of maturity, accountability and respect towards the community being represented.
He said Malaysia’s political culture should not move towards using religion as a subject of ridicule, jokes or attacks, but instead foster a more mature, civilised and respectful political discourse that recognises the country’s diversity.
“Respect religion, respect beliefs, and respect one another as Malaysians in this diverse society.
“These are the values we must uphold together for the sake of the harmony and unity of Malaysia, especially with Malaysia Day just days away,” he said.
Meanwhile, Noorazli has apologised over the joke involving priests.
The Sepang UMNO chief acknowledged that his remarks could have been interpreted differently and caused misunderstanding, particularly in Malaysia’s multi-religious society.
He said the story was shared solely as an analogy to highlight the importance of focus, perseverance and wisdom in achieving a goal, and was not intended to insult, belittle or make fun of any individual, belief or religion.
“If my remarks have caused any misunderstanding or offended anyone, particularly the Christians, I humbly offer my apologies.
“I also take this as a lesson to be more careful in choosing analogies and expressing my views in the future,” he said in a statement on Monday (Sept 14).
Noorazli added that he respected every religion and belief and would continue to uphold the harmony, mutual respect and understanding that form an important foundation of life in Malaysia’s plural society.
He expressed hope that his explanation would help ease the misunderstanding and allow the spirit of mutual respect and harmony among Malaysians to be preserved.
