Vivian Lee Escapes Jail for ‘Bak Kut Teh’ Buka Puasa Photo

2457
- Advertisement - [resads_adspot id="2"]

The woman who joined infamous blogger Alvin Tan in uploading a controversial picture associating ‘bak kut teh’ with ‘buka puasa’ on social media five years ago has escaped her jail sentence.

Yesterday, former sex blogger Vivian Lee’s appeal was allowed by the High Court.

Mohd Yusni Ariffin

Her five-month and 22-day jail sentence was set aside and replaced with a RM5,000 fine by High Court judge Justice Mohd Sofian Abd Razak.

The judge said he reviewed sentences for sedition convictions, ranging from the High Court to the Court of Appeal, and found that most first offenders tend to be punished with fines instead of jail time.

“In this case, I am of the view that justice will prevail if the appellant is sentenced to a maximum fine of RM5,000 in lieu of five months’ imprisonment.

“To my mind, water has passed under the bridge; this happened in 2013 and we are now in 2018,” Sofian said when making his ruling.

He then warned Lee against repeating her offence, saying the courts will not be as lenient the next time.

Lee, 27, was charged in 2013 with then-boyfriend Alvin Tan under the Sedition Act with posting a mock Hari Raya greeting that bore the words “Selamat Berbuka Puasa (with Bak Kut Teh…fragrant, delicious and appetising)” accompanied by the ‘halal’ logo.

Section 4(1)(c) of the Sedition Act provides for a fine of RM5,000, three months’ jail or both, if found guilty.

Tan later skipped bail and fled the country for the US.

DPP Wan Shaharuddin Wan Ladin said the prosecution would file an appeal.

Counsel Chong Joo Tian said Lee settled the fine.