KUCHING: Malaysians must respect the country’s religious diversity and exercise greater responsibility when addressing sensitive issues, particularly on public and political platforms.
SUPP Youth Central Vice Chairman Kelvin Hii said religion was among Malaysia’s sensitive 3R issues involving race, religion and royalty, requiring the utmost seriousness.
He said this in responding to remarks by an UMNO delegate during the party’s general assembly involving references to priests, nuns and Bible verses.
Hii said sensitive religious matters should never be trivialised, as careless remarks could create tension, unease and misunderstanding among Malaysians.
“Anyone speaking in public must be mindful of their words. A public platform does not mean that one can simply say whatever one wishes,” he said in a press statement today.
He said public platforms provided speakers with an opportunity to communicate ideas widely, while also carrying significant influence and responsibility.
Hii said Malaysia was built by people of different races and religions, with national harmony founded upon mutual respect, understanding and tolerance.
He stressed that every religion deserved basic respect, particularly from those who did not belong to that faith or understand its teachings.
“Other religions should never be used casually as jokes, comparisons or political rhetoric, especially when such remarks are made before a wider audience,” he said.
Hii said those speaking about religions other than their own should exercise greater sensitivity and avoid making comments based solely on personal assumptions or interpretations.
He described the UMNO delegate’s remarks as regrettable, saying the use of sensitive religious matters for an analogy or joke had crossed the line.
He urged the delegate concerned to take the matter seriously, recognise the gravity of the remarks and issue a public apology.
Hii also reminded Malaysians that freedom of speech under Article 10 of the Federal Constitution was subject to restrictions provided by law.
He said statements that threatened religious harmony or incited hostility between religious communities could carry legal consequences.
“Malaysia is a multicultural and multireligious country, and this diversity and harmony must be cherished and protected rather than deliberately tested,” he said.
Hii urged Malaysians, particularly public figures and political leaders, to exercise greater responsibility and avoid exploiting racial or religious sensitivities for political gain.
He stressed that respect for the law, fellow Malaysians and the nation’s diversity must always remain the priority in public discourse.
