Just last week, controversial couple Siti Nuramira Abdullah and her partner, Alexander Navin Vijayachandran pleaded not guilty with the bail set at RM20,000 for each of them for inciting disharmony, division, hatred, or malice on religious grounds as well as misusing the internet respectively.
Following the news, according to their lawyer, they will be setting up a crowdfunding initiative as some people have expressed interest in contributing financially to the pair.
As an update, their lawyer R. Sivaraj said donations had reached RM40,000 as of this morning (July 18), with any additional funds coming in to be sent back to the donors.
In a note to reporters, he said that “Both their bailors will be going to the Petaling Jaya and Kuala Lumpur courts at about 11am.”
However, he was unsure if Siti Nuramira and Alexander Navin Vijayachandran would be able to post bail today.
“If we’re past a certain hour, court staff could ask us to come back tomorrow to bail them out because of transport issues, given that they’re both in Beranang and Kuala Kubu Bharu (lock-ups).”
He went on to thank those who had donated money to post bail for the couple while they face their charges in court.
It sets an unhealthy precedent
The news was met with criticism by Malaysians who condemned those who donated to their cause. Some pointed out that it will set an unhealthy precedent that would only encourage others to make jokes that insult religions as they could just be bailed out by those who agree with them.
“I guess now everyone can (start a) crowdfund for whatever reason,” said a user.
Another user expressed their disappointment over the fact that they will get bailed. “I don’t think they deserve to be bailed. Let jail term serve as a lesson.”
“It seems that they were successful in collecting the RM40,000 needed to bail them out. Means that there are people who are willing to help them insult Islam and Malays,” commented a user.
Meanwhile, a netizen said that instead of bailing the couple out, the money could’ve been well spent elsewhere. “Rather than posting their bail, it would be better to donate to orphans (and) tahfiz students. Before doing anything please think about it properly.”
What is your stand on this? Do they deserve to be bailed out?
Also read: Controversial Open-Micer & BF Seek Financial Help From The Public To Pay Their RM40K Bail
