Civil society group urges due process after UMNO man’s controversial religious remarks

 

COMMUNITY Action Network (CAN) Malaysia has called for an impartial investigation into Sepang UMNO chief Datuk Noorazli Said’s controversial religious remarks, saying his public apology should not pre-empt due process.

The controversy arose after Noorazli made a “priest and nun” joke containing sexual innuendo during his winding-up speech at the UMNO General Assembly 2026, while also misquoting Psalm 129 by attributing a verse that does not exist in the biblical passage.

His remarks drew criticism from  political leaders across party lines, civil society groups and the Christian community, prompting a public apology and a police report.

CAN Malaysia said religion should never be weaponised, trivialised or used for political posturing in a multi-religious country like Malaysia.

“All religions must be respected equally,” the organisation said, adding that exploiting sacred texts and religious traditions for political rhetoric risks damaging social harmony.

It said political leaders have a responsibility to verify religious references before using them publicly, arguing that ignorance cannot excuse the misuse of sacred texts.

“If you do not know, do not say it,” the civil society group said.

Apology should not pre-empt due process

While acknowledging Noorazli’s public apology, CAN Malaysia said an apology alone should not erase legal responsibility if laws had been breached.

It urged the authorities to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation to determine whether the remarks violated any legal standards, saying equal enforcement was necessary regardless of political affiliation.

“Apologising cannot serve as a free pass to bypass statutory oversight,” the organisation said.

CAN Malaysia also called for a formal reconciliation mechanism to address religious controversies, arguing that Malaysia currently lacks a meaningful process for acknowledging and resolving grievances arising from statements that offend religious communities.

It said reconciliation should provide space for acknowledgement, dialogue, accountability and, where appropriate, apology, rather than simply assigning blame.

The organisation also welcomed the swift condemnation from political leaders, civil society organisations and members of the public across party and religious lines, describing it as evidence that Malaysians remained united in rejecting religious disrespect and upholding interfaith courtesy. ‒  Focus Malaysia