KUCHING: September 17, 2026 – The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Malaysia (CBCM) has called on all Malaysians to strengthen mutual respect, accept diversity and build friendships across races and religions in efforts to preserve national harmony.
CBCM president and Archbishop of Kuching, Archbishop Dato Dr Simon Poh, said this is important to ensure Malaysia continues to be a country that prioritises peaceful coexistence and mutual appreciation.
In a message in conjunction with the 63rd Malaysia Day themed “A Call for Mutual Respect, Acceptance, Friendship & Harmony”, he expressed sadness over an incident involving Sepang UMNO division chief Datuk Noorazli Said, who shared a joke about priests and nuns at a public gathering before it went viral on social media.
According to Simon Poh, such jokes should not be raised at any official gathering as they can touch on religious sensitivities and demean priests and nuns who are respected by the community.
He said the contributions of nuns over generations through the management of hospitals, welfare institutions and schools have benefited people of various races and religions.
Simon Poh also stressed the importance of nation-building through the spirit of friendship, especially after the Malaysian Pastoral Convention in Sibu, which gathered about 1,000 Catholic delegates from Sabah, Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia.
He said the convention produced a commitment to four main areas, including family and youth, the environment, welfare and nation-building as bridge-builders in society.
He urged the people to mind their words and reject prejudice, hatred, stereotypes and language that can divide society based on race, religion or community.
Simon Poh hoped Malaysia Day would be a space for the people to strengthen their shared identity as children of Malaysia and move from hostility to goodness and sincere friendship.
