‘Don’t compare Alvivi with Ibrahim, Zul’

BN leaders are toeing the government line on the 'selective prosecution' of the Alvivi couple.

PETALING JAYA: Barisan Nasional leaders have denied selective prosecution in the case of sex bloggers Alvin Tan and Vivian Lee – better known as Alvivi.

Taking a pro-establishment stand, they also dismissed, as history, seditious remarks against Christianity and Hinduism made by Umno affiliated leaders Ibrahim Ali and Zulkifli Nordin.

The government whilst quick to act against the couple has taken no action against Ibrahim or Zulkifli.

BN leaders told FMT that the public should stop making comparisons between the offensive materials published by Alvivi to those of Ibrahim and Zulkifli, which were made “a long time ago”.

Kedah Gerakan Youth chief Tan Keng Liang said he was “perplexed” at people’s reaction to the couple’s alleged offence.

“I am perplexed as to why certain people are making comparisons at this stage instead of focusing on the action taken against the couple.

“We should be united to condemn the current action (of Alvivi). When it is settled, perhaps we can look about what needs to be done about past cases and those in future.

“To me, [Alvivi's] case sets an example of what will happen to anyone if they intend to stir up religious hatred in future,” he said.

Tan said the government “has taken a signal from GE13″ that “somehow all this (material inciting religious hatred) has to stop”.

“Before, they were being too lenient (towards Ibrahim and Zulkifli). We should forget about the past, and move forward.

“From this moment, any person that makes a statement that intentionally tries to create tension among Malaysians should be prosecuted similarly to those charges taken against [Alvivi],” he added.

Straightforward case
Labis MP Chua Tee Yong said the infamous duo were charged because of ample evidence against them.

“To be charged and put in court, you require a lot of evidence. They had published the materials themselves and had admitted to doing so, probably that’s why there was action.

“This is straightforward (case) and they clearly knew what they were doing. They knew it was against Islam but still posted it (on Facebook) … too many things had accumulated (for them to be charged),” he added.

Cheras Umno division chief Syed Ali Alhabshee said Alvivi’s offensive remarks were made “during the holy month of Ramadan” and was “something Muslims cannot accept”.

However, he said it was ultimately up to the law and for the Attorney-General to take action against those who offended “any religion”.

“I think the A-G should take action against any perpetrator according to the law.

It is easy for people to come out and say the government is being biased, but it is hard for us to judge in these situations.

“So let the experts decide,” he said.

Chua mirrored Syed Ali’s sentiments and called for the police to investigate “all those who have uttered (seditious) remarks”.

“Of course it is important that the police should investigate, and whether charges should be imposed on them or not,” he said.

No bail

Syed Ali then called for Malaysians to refrain from insulting all religions to curb religious tension in the country.

“All parties, especially the youths, should uphold the principles of the Federal Constitution to respect the respective religions and cultures of the people.

“When someone of a particular race intentionally insults or makes fun of the holiness of another’s religion, it would of course lead to anger and divide in society,” he said.

Wanita MCA chief Yu Chok Tow also similarly urged the government to be fair and take similar action against anyone who has insulted other religions.

“This must be done in order to highlight the fact that the government is fair and just,” she said in a statement.

Tan and Lee, who posted an insensitive Ramadan greeting on their Facebook, were yesterday charged with publishing indecent photographs, promoting enmity among the races and for sedition at the Jalan Duta Sessions Court.

No bail was granted and Tan was sent to the Sungai Buloh Prision while Lee was taken to the Kajang Prision. They have filed an application to the courts today to review the no-bail decision.

Last year, the couple courted controversy when they posted their sexual acts and naked photos on a website while being in Singapore.