Sabah leaders condemn priest and nun joke on UMNO PAU

SABAH political leaders have strongly condemned an UMNO delegate's alleged sexually charged jokes about Catholic priests and nuns during the recent 2026 UMNO General Assembly (PAU). Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau, president of United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO) and MP for Tuaran, stated that such remarks were inappropriate and offended the Christian community nationwide.

Tangau emphasized that the UMNO leader should acknowledge his mistake, retract the false reference to Psalm 129, and issue an unconditional public apology to Catholics and the entire Christian community. Former Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak echoed Tangau's sentiments, calling the remarks unacceptable and insensitive to Christians in the country.

Salleh urged the UMNO leader to offer a sincere, public apology, emphasizing that this issue is not about politics but about respect, responsibility, and maintaining boundaries. In Sabah, Muslims, Christians, and followers of other faiths have coexisted in mutual respect for a long time, and it is crucial to continue preserving this spirit of tolerance and harmony.