Avoid divisive rhetoric, respect all faiths, Kuching archbishop tells M’sians

In a Malaysia Day message, Kuching Archbishop Simon Poh emphasized the importance of avoiding divisive rhetoric and respecting all faiths among Malaysians. The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Malaysia (CBCM) expressed concern over recent instances of inappropriate jokes that demean religious figures, particularly a recent incident where Sepang Umno chief Noorazli Said shared a priest and nun joke during the party’s general assembly.

Archbishop Poh, who is also the CBCM president, described the joke as hurtful to the Catholic community, as priests and nuns are highly respected for their selfless service to hospitals, welfare institutions, and schools that have educated Malaysians of all races and religions for generations.

The archbishop called for Malaysians to reject political or religious language that divides the nation’s multiracial society and urged citizens to guard their words and hearts against prejudice, hatred, and stereotyping when referring to one another’s race, religion, or community. He encouraged all Malaysians to reflect on their shared identity as "anak-anak Malaysia" and move away from hostility toward kindness and sincere friendship.

The CBCM’s call for harmony and nation-building was issued following a national-level Catholic pastoral convention held in Sibu, Sarawak, from September 9 to 13, where over 1,000 Catholic delegates discussed important issues such as family life, youth, ecology, welfare services, and nation-building.