'Priest and nun joke' was inappropriate, say Catholic bishops

KUALA LUMPUR: The controversial "priest and nun" joke made by an Umno division chief recently has no place in official gatherings in a multiracial and multi-religious Malaysia, Catholic bishops said.

The Catholic Bishops' Conference of Malaysia (CBCM) in a statement said the incident was particularly hurtful as priests and nuns were held in high regard, with generations of Catholic religious workers having devoted their lives to serving Malaysians through hospitals, welfare institutions and schools.

Kuching Archbishop Simon Poh said jokes of such a nature were inconsistent with the country's tradition of mutual respect, friendship and harmony.

"Jokes of this nature have no place in any official assembly in Malaysia and this incident is especially hurtful as it demeans priests and nuns, who are held in high esteem by the public.

"For generations, dedicated nuns have given their entire lives to running hospitals, welfare institutions, schools that have served and educated Malaysians of all races and religions," he said in CBCM's message for the 63rd Malaysia Day, themed "A Call for Mutual Respect, Acceptance, Friendship & Harmony".

Poh was referring to a recent incident in which Sepang Umno division chief Datuk Noorazli Said was reported to have shared the joke at the 2026 Umno General Assembly, which was subsequently widely circulated on social media.

He said it was understandable that many members of the public were offended by the remarks and had called for legal action, a public apology, a retraction and appropriate redress over what they regarded as an offence to religious sensitivities.

Poh urged Malaysians to be more mindful of their words and guard against prejudice, hatred and stereotyping when referring to other races, religions and communities.

"Let us reject all forms of political and even religious rhetoric, divisive language that hurts religious communities and fractures our multiracial society," he said.

The Archbishop said the call for greater harmony was especially significant as Kuching hosts this year's national-level Malaysia Day celebration.

He said Malaysia's geographical separation by the South China Sea and differences in wealth, economic development, education and infrastructure should not overshadow the country's strength in its diverse cultures, ethnicities and languages.

Poh, who said he had lived in Sarawak for most of his life, urged Malaysians to cherish their national identity and work together for the common good.

"Let us celebrate our blessings, be kind to each other and offer true Malaysian hospitality to all living among us," he said.

He said Malaysia Day should also be an opportunity for Malaysians to move away from hostility towards kindness, friendship and a greater sense of shared identity as anak-anak Malaysia.