I'm not sure how CMUD coding works. I'll try to download it and try it out and see if I can help you.

This however, works for zMUD with no problems, even with commas. Leaving off the %1 completely.

#alias {say} {esay 'through clenched teeth' }

I type "say hi" and this happens:

<100%hp 100%m 100%mv 1500tnl (50.00%)> esay 'through clenched teeth' hi
You say through clenched teeth 'hi'
The Academy Prefect smiles happily.

I type "say Well, hello there, how are you Prefect?" and this happens:

<100%hp 100%m 100%mv 1500tnl (50.00%)> esay 'through clenched teeth' Well, hello there, how are you Prefect?
You say through clenched teeth 'Well, hello there, how are you Prefect?'
The Academy Prefect smiles happily.