Sepang Umno chief charged over Catholic joke
Noorazli pleads not guilty before the court.
KUALA LUMPUR – Datuk Noorazli Said, the Sepang Umno division chief, appeared in court today to contest a charge of deliberately offending Christian clergy during his September 12 speech at the 2026 Umno General Assembly. The 48-year-old claimed trial after the charge sheet was read out before magistrate Nurul Izzah Hasan. Noorazli is accused of intentionally hurting the religious sentiments of Xenia Lok Zou Chieh, 49, by referring to Catholic priests and nuns at Dewan Merdeka, World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur.
He faces up to one year's imprisonment, a fine, or both under Section 298 of the Penal Code if found guilty.
Deputy public prosecutor Mohamad Fadhly Mohd Zamry requested a RM15,000 bail with one surety, while defence lawyer Datuk Hasnal Rezua Merican argued for a bail reduction to between RM4,000 and RM5,000. The court granted Noorazli bail of RM6,000 with one surety and set a mention date for November 18. Following the controversy over his remarks, Noorazli had previously apologized and expressed willingness to accept any reprimand for the incident.
His joke about Christian priests and nuns, intended to stress the significance of political wisdom, drew criticism from multiple parties. The police recorded 86 reports and statements from 93 witnesses regarding the matter.
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