Centre for Independent Journalism says authorities harsh on “bak kut teh” bloggers

The Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) today called on the Attorney-General (AG) to treat the case of the "bak kut teh" bloggers for what it is and withdraw all charges.

It said in a statement that what the couple did is disrespectful but it was not a violent act or one that threatened national security.

The CIJ deplored the denial of bail to Alvin Tan and Vivian Lee, also known as Alvivi,  in response to their "bak kut teh" Ramadan Facebook post.

"We believe the charges and denial of bail are disproportionate and counter-productive to the reconciliation that is needed to overcome the acrimonious backlash that has resulted," it said.

The two were charged on July 18 under the Sedition Act, the Penal Code and the Film Censorship Act for their bak kut teh Ramadan greeting as well as pornographic pictures in their blog.

CIJ said that it recognised the posting by the two bloggers as hateful and offensive to Muslims, but stressed that a response through criminalisation will not address the resentment that has surfaced.

"The aim to limit any form of expression must be legitimate in goal and outcome. It must be for the public good and not in the interest of a select few or to silence dissent against government," it said in a statement.

CIJ said that it was also not right for some, in the name of supremacist Malay Muslim sentiment, to call for the death sentence against the duo.

"For example, Ustaz Abu Syafiq in a Facebook post which has been circulated on social media openly, called for Alvin and Vivian to be killed.

"In the Umno Cheras blog, Syed Ali Alhabshee, the Umno Cheras division chief, called for stern punishment against the duo, citing the example of Sajad Husin in Pakistan, whom prosecutors there are calling for the death penalty for insulting Islam," it said.

CIJ noted that Tan and Lee, through their actions, have been thoroughly discredited in the public eye.