Controversy over religious remarks by UMNO official

Following the 2026 UMNO General Assembly, Sepang UMNO chief Datuk Noorazli Said faced widespread condemnation for making lewd or controversial remarks regarding Catholic clergy, including references to priests, nuns, and the Bible.

Noorazli defended his comments by stating they were based on a widely circulated YouTube video and that he did not intend to cause offense. This defense was rejected by various political figures. Bukit Bendera MP Syerleena Abdul Rashid argued that the existence of offensive online content does not excuse a lack of judgment, while UMNO Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh suggested the remarks crossed a line.

National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang has since called for an investigation into the remarks, urging enforcement agencies to examine potential violations of the Penal Code—specifically Sections 298 and 298A—as well as the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998. The Minister emphasized that “freedom of speech does not grant license to violate the religious sensitivities of others” and stated that religious institutions and sacred texts should not be subjects of jokes or sexual innuendo.

While Noorazli expressed a willingness to apologize for causing “misunderstanding,” pressure for a formal apology continues. Sabah Barisan Nasional (BN) Chairman Arthur Joseph Kurup demanded an unconditional public apology, criticizing the remarks as lacking political maturity and failing to respect the religious sensitivities of the Malaysian public. He noted that issues involving race, religion, and the monarchy must be handled responsibly to maintain national harmony.