16/09/2026

WEDNESDAY | SEPT 16, 2026 4 Anwar to discuss Maldives venture with Petronas MALÉ (MALDIVES): Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will discuss a proposal with Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) for the Malaysian energy company to explore the possibility of oil exploration in the Maldives. Anwar, who is also Finance minister, expressed confidence in Petronas’s capabilities and extensive international experience in the energy sector. “I believe in the strength of Petronas throughout the world, from Canada to Turkmenistan to Sudan and to Suriname, Peru and Brazil. I do not think it is too much of a problem to come closer here to Maldives,” he said. Anwar was speaking at a joint press conference with Maldives President Dr Mohamed Muizzu at the President’s Office here yesterday. He was responding to matters raised during his discussions with the Maldives leadership as part of his two-day official visit to the island republic. Petronas has an international presence across various energy markets, with Anwar pointing to its operations in several countries as an indication of the national oil company’s capabilities. Anwar was on the last day of his two-day official visit to the Maldives yesterday. – Bernama

Umno facing backlash for joke on Catholic priests, nuns

Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI

o Controversy carries added political weight because it unfolded at important national platform: Specialist

leaders in Sabah and Sarawak. “Those leaders are accountable to multi-religious electorates and cannot afford to appear indifferent when the beliefs of communities are treated insensitively.” Still, he added that the row is unlikely by itself to break federal political cooperation, given the broader interests underpinning relations between Putrajaya and regional coalitions. “Relationships between the federal government and regional coalitions involve many larger matters, including development funding, the Malaysia Agreement 1963, state rights, infrastructure and federal stability. “However, repeated religious controversies could gradually weaken trust and give regional parties stronger reasons to distance themselves from national parties.” He stressed that Sabah and Sarawak remain crucial to federal political stability, making respect for religious diversity important to sustaining political cooperation. Novel also said the remarks could deepen concerns among Christian communities over whether delegates and leaders grasp the seriousness of mocking another faith. He said Christians could draw comparisons with how authorities and political leaders would respond if Islamic religious figures or institutions were treated in a similar fashion. “The principle should be consistent. Every religion deserves the same basic respect. Freedom of political speech does not remove the responsibility to preserve social harmony, especially in a diverse country,” he noted. “When such figures are used in sexually suggestive or demeaning humour, Christians may feel their faith has been trivialised.” He noted that from a political sociology perspective, words spoken at a major party assembly help define who feels respected, included and recognised within the national political community. He said the controversy is further complicated by an inaccurate reference to Psalm 129, which deals with suffering, deliverance and overcoming oppression, noting that the words used in the joke did not appear in the passage – a misstep that could deepen unease among Christians. Novel said Umno should acknowledge the error, withdraw the reference and offer an unconditional apology, stressing that the same respect shown to Islamic scriptures and religious figures must also be extended to Christianity and other faiths. He said the key lesson for Umno is that political strength in a diverse federation cannot be built solely by appeals to its traditional base, but must also inspire confidence among citizens who do not share the same religion or ethnicity.

PETALING JAYA: A joke about Catholic priests, nuns and the Bible delivered from the floor of Umno General Assembly has reignited concerns over the party’s sensitivity to religious diversity, with a political analyst saying it could further strain efforts by the party and Barisan Nasional to rebuild support in Sabah and Sarawak. The remarks risk reinforcing perceptions among non-Muslim Malaysians that Umno remains insufficiently attuned to the country’s religious make-up, said Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia political analyst Prof Dr Novel Lyndon. He said the controversy carries added political weight precisely because it unfolded at Umno’s most important national platform, rather than an informal or private setting.

deeply rooted in the culture and communities of indigenous groups, such as the Iban, Bidayuh, Kadazandusun and Murut. “Remarks that may be regarded as ordinary political humour in one setting could be received very differently in East Malaysia. “When religious figures are used as material for political humour, communities may feel their identity is being viewed through a narrow peninsular lens.” He added that Umno’s challenge is compounded by its lack of organisational presence in Sarawak, where Sarawak-based political identity and local parties dominate. In Sabah, Umno continues to operate but faces stiff competition from regional parties and an electorate increasingly drawn to Sabah-based leadership. “For voters in East Malaysia, development remains important, but dignity, identity, religious freedom and state rights are also major considerations. “A party cannot expect to gain support merely by offering development or highlighting its federal influence. It must also demonstrate that it understands the cultural and religious realities of the region.” Novel said regional parties could seize on the controversy to argue that peninsular-based parties fail to understand Sabah and Sarawak, while opposition parties could cite it as evidence that Umno has not moved far enough towards becoming a genuinely inclusive national party. He said the fallout could be felt most among urban and younger voters, Christian Bumiputera communities and religiously mixed families, and could complicate relations between Umno, the federal government, and political

“Although (the joke) was reportedly made by one delegate and may not represent Umno’s official position, the setting gives it greater political significance. “People may interpret what is said, and how party leaders respond, as reflecting the culture and values tolerated within the party,” he noted. “While Umno has the right to champion Malay and Muslim interests, it is also a major party in the federal government and must respect all religious communities.” Novel said the issue cut especially deep in Sabah and Sarawak, where Christianity is

FOSTERING UNITY ... Participants colouring batik patterns yesterday during the Fashionista Ride: National Month ‘Two Celebrations, One Soul’ event in Putrajaya, held in conjunction with the Merdeka Day and Malaysia Day celebrations. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

‘Politicians must value respecting others over applause’ PETALING JAYA: Political leaders must stop using provocative jokes to win applause to avoid offending religious communities, said unity advocate Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye, following criticism over a joke about Catholic priests and nuns at the Umno General Assembly. He added that remarks mocking religious figures could offend communities and erode social harmony, stressing that respect for religious beliefs must apply equally in Malaysia’s multi-religious society. rile up an audience. For them, earning a cheer seems to matter more than treating others with basic decency. “Freedom of speech is not freedom to insult or stir up division. In a nation made up of many faiths and backgrounds, jokes that mock religious figures offend and fray the ties that hold us together. respecting religious sensitivities. Lee said the principles of courtesy and morality under the Rukun Negara should guide public discourse, including remarks at political events. “Our Rukun Negara asks us to value courtesy and morality. “This incident shows how far some public figures stand from those very principles. “Parties should help their greater care when discussing religion and ensure political discourse does not come at the expense of respect for other faiths. “Although an apology was eventually offered, the caution remains clear. Malaysia’s harmony is something we nurture every day. It should not be put at risk by one thoughtless speaker. “Our shared respect for one another is what keeps Malaysia united. Careless jokes wear that respect away, little by little.”

“The public needs to see that protections for religious respect are applied promptly to everyone, no exceptions. When people’s most sacred beliefs are mocked, minority communities could feel unwelcome and overlooked.” He emphasised that the episode highlights the need for political parties to ensure their members understand the importance of

members understand that basic respect is not optional, it is essential.” He also called on political parties to draw up clearer guidelines for speakers at major gatherings to prevent remarks that could offend religious communities. He explained that such guidelines would encourage speakers to exercise

He said political figures need to be mindful of their choice of words, particularly at major gatherings where their remarks could reach a wide audience. “Too often, politicians reach for provocative or insensitive remarks to

Lee also said citizens should use Malaysia Day today to renew their commitment to building a united, peaceful, inclusive and prosperous nation for all. – BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI