Dr M: Be ‘harsh’ with erring couple

(Bernama) – Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad said the act of ridiculing Muslims and the month of Ramadan by blogging couple Tan Jye Yee dan Vivian Lee could affect the harmony in society.

Describing the couple as irresponsible, Mahathir said provocations involving religion to the extent of trampling on the sensitivities of the people of numerous communities, specifically Muslims should not be done because it was feared it could to lead to riots.

“Saying things which can make people angry may cause them to retaliate and cause enmity.

“These people have no common sense. They are stupid but cannot be taught,” he said.

Speaking to reporters after breaking fast with the staff of Proton here last night, Mahathir opined that harsh punishments must be meted out against the couple as a lesson to others.

“If they cannot be put under restricted residence, maybe other actions can be taken.

“But I think the law does not allow their citizenships to be stripped from them,” he said when asked on a proposal that the couple be stripped of their citizenship.

The couple, prior to this, were condemned by many quarters after they downloaded a picture of themselves enjoying Bak Kut Teh with a caption which offended the sensitivities of Muslims on their Facebook.