Umno Sepang chief's joke at Umno assembly under probe
KUALA LUMPUR: Police will refer investigation papers on remarks by Umno Sepang division chief Datuk Noorazli Said, which allegedly touched on religious sensitivities, to the Attorney-General’s Chambers (A-GC) tomorrow.
The police will forward investigation papers related to remarks made by Umno Sepang division chief Datuk Noorazli Said to the Attorney-General's Chambers, according to Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director Datuk M. Kumar. The remarks allegedly caused concern over religious sensitivities and are being probed under Section 298 of the Penal Code and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
So far, 86 police reports have been filed regarding the matter, with statements from 93 witnesses, including members of the public, organizers, and Umno delegates, including Noorazli Said himself. The investigation papers are set to be handed over to the Attorney-General's Chambers on September 18 for further guidance and advice.
Under Section 298 of the Penal Code, an individual who uses words, sounds, or gestures with the intention of irritating someone's religious feelings can be sentenced to up to one year in prison, a fine, or both. Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 deals with inappropriate use of network facilities or services. Convicted individuals can face a fine of up to RM500,000, imprisonment for up to two years, or both.
Kumar appealed to the public not to speculate or disseminate unverified information through network facilities that could disrupt the investigation. The incident occurred during the 2026 Umno General Assembly on Saturday, where Noorazli Said made remarks during a debate on the Umno president's policy speech.
Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang had requested an investigation into the remarks made during the assembly on September 15. The Catholic Bishops Conference of Malaysia (CBCM) condemned the joke as inappropriate in a multiracial and multi-religious Malaysia, stating that such an incident was particularly hurtful given the high regard in which priests and nuns are held in Malaysian society. The CBCM emphasized that the remarks were inconsistent with Malaysia's tradition of mutual respect, friendship, and harmony.
Written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
Also reported by 1 other outlet
- Probe paper on Sepang Umno chief to be referred to AGC tomorrow freemalaysiatoday.com
