Christian group welcomes Umno man’s apology over lewd ‘joke’

The Christian Federation of Malaysia has welcomed an apology from an Umno division leader following a controversial lewd "joke" involving the Catholic clergy. CFM chairman Eu Hong Seng urged all parties to accept the apology with the right spirit. However, he stressed that the government must ensure equal application of respect and protection to all religions, as stated in the law.

Eu emphasized the importance of consistent principles and standards in dealing with insults to any religion or its adherents. Sepang Umno chief Noorazli Said faced criticism over his "joke" at a Umno general assembly, which involved a priest and a nun and was supposedly based on a verse from Psalm 129. This led to police reports and demands for an apology from several Umno officials.

Noorazli apologized on Monday. Eu called on politicians to rise above derogatory, demeaning, and inflammatory speech, and instead use their positions to promote mutual respect, understanding, peace, and harmony among Malaysians. He warned that careless words could divide and wound, while wise words can build bridges and strengthen bonds within the diverse society.