MCA deputy president Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon.
PETALING JAYA: Several political parties have differing views over the sentence imposed on a man who was found guilty of insulting Islam and Prophet Muhammad on Facebook.
While some described the punishment as too harsh, other parties said such heavy punishment would act as a deterrent.
MCA deputy president Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon (pic) said the 10-year 10-month jail term on a man for insulting Islam and Prophet Muhammad on Facebook was excessive and an appeal should be made to reduce the punishment.
“MCA is well aware of the need to be respectful and sensitive towards the religions of all Malaysians as we believe in a plural society. Those who ignore such respect must be punished, but let’s not go overboard.
“The offender has pleaded guilty without a legal representation. We hope the appeals court will reconsider the harsh sentence,” he said.
Gerakan president Datuk Dr Dominic Lau Hoe Chai sees the sentence as excessive.
“I personally think the 10-year jail term is excessive, even if the person is mentally sound. The insult is not done on a political party or a non-governmental organisation platform which could have a bigger impact,” he said.
DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang said while all Malaysians should show respect for all religions, excessive punishment should not be used on those who abused the social media.
“Malaysians must be conscious of the uses and abuses of social media, where its effects are magnified in an explosive manner,” he said.
However, Umno and PAS said the 10-year jail sentence imposed was not harsh.
Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said the sentence should serve as a deterrent to stop people from insulting any religion.
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