Wakil DAP kecam jenaka ‘tak senonoh’ pemimpin Umno, tawaran maaf bersyarat

Two DAP grassroots representatives have condemned what they call "lackadaisical" humor from a top Umno leader, while also demanding conditional apologies. Syerleena Abdul Rashid, a Bukit Bendera MP, believes political responsibility demands careful consideration before sparking controversy, rather than merely showing remorse afterward.

"We see this too often in Malaysian politics: statements offending sensibilities are made, people get angry, then a clarification or explanation is provided before a final apology is offered," she said. "After that, everything goes back to normal."

Lee Chin Chen, a Bukit Nilam assemblyman, emphasized that all religions must be treated equally in terms of respect. She pointed out a statement by Umno Sepang chief Noorazli Said, who was prepared to apologize if his comment at a Federal Assembly meeting offended Christian sensibilities. Noorazli also stated he had no intention of insulting or disparaging any religion through his joke, which was related to Psalm 129 in the Bible.

Syerleena acknowledged apologies are necessary, but they shouldn't be treated like a "reset button" allowing everyone to forget the action that prompted the apology. "Please accept my apologies, but perhaps reduce the time explaining your intentions and take more time to think about why others have to remind you of basic principles," she added.

Lee, also a DAP assistant secretary-general, stressed a clear difference between offering an apology if someone is offended by the humor and requesting an apology for making insensitive humor. "The first puts the issue on how others interpret or feel about the statement," he explained. "The second, on the other hand, is an admission that a mistake has been made and a willingness to accept responsibility."

Lee warned that if a political figure uses Islam as the basis for offensive humor, the public would not accept the excuse that it was merely a "misinterpretation" or made "without malicious intent." He believes the individual involved would face public criticism, potential reporting, investigation, and possibly legal action. "Therefore, there cannot be different services in terms of respecting religion.

If we demand our religion be respected, we must also give equal respect to the religions of others."