Gelang Patah MP Lim Kit Siang today commended authorities for bringing infamous road bully Kiki to justice, but expressed that the sentence delivered was on the heavy side. Kiki, whose infamy was perpetuated by viral videos on the internet showing her harassing and striking the vehicle of a man who knocked her automobile in Kuantan Pahang, was fined RM5000 and ordered to perform 240 hours of community service under Section 427 of the Penal Code for committing mischief.
The Gelang Patah MP felt that Kiki had been punished by the internet backlash for her aggressive behaviour.
“She had expressed regret and remorse for what she had done. Sim [the other driver] had forgiven her,” Lim added that the convicted Kiki was the subject of universal scorn and condemnation in the social media, a punishment never envisaged when the Penal Code was drafted in the last century.
“She underwent the “trial of the social media” which should have been taken into account, which is why I think the RM5,000 fine is on the high side,” said Lim.
Also in his statement today, Lim highlighted the blog posting of Information Minister Zainuddin Maidin that asked if the punishment was racist since the incident was a relatively small case.
Zainuddin, had hypothetically asked how the Chinese Press, Chinese parties, and Chinese NGO; would have reacted were Kiki a Chinese attacking a Malay man instead.
Lim responded by asking Zainuddin if he was a Malay first and a Malaysian second.
The Gelang Patah MP criticised the minister for using racial tones when addressing the issue, asking Malaysians to speak with a language of unity instead.
“As a Malaysian first, Chinese second, this is where I disagree with Zainuddin,” Lim said.
“Whether Kiki is Malay, Chinese, Indian, Kadazan or Iban, she must face the consequences of the law for any infringement, as she found out after her inexcusable road rage,” also calling his dismissal of the Chinese organisations deplorable.
Lim also said that if Kiki wishes to appeal against the Rm 5000 fine, Puchong MP Gobind Singh Deo has confirmed that the DAP Legal Bureau would provide free legal services. -TheRocket
