Blogger Alvin Tan's ex-girlfriend told the Sessions Court here today that the man had uploaded the controversial picture of them with a caption that insulted Muslims simply for fun and to see the reaction of the public.
Vivian Lee or Lee May Ling, 27, said Tan told her so after she edited the picture and the caption which read: "Selamat Berbuka Puasa (with Bak Kut Teh...fragrant, delicious and appetising)."
Lee said Tan then uploaded the picture and its caption into their Facebook page without seeking her permission even though she was one of the administrators of the page.
She said Tan had initially refused to delete or change the caption, but after being reprimanded and badly criticised by various quarters, he edited the caption and came out with a new caption that read: "Ampunkanlah kami. Selamat berbuka puasa dengan rendang ayam". (Please forgive us. Selamat berbuka puasa with chicken rendang).
READ: Witness says Alvin Tan fled country to avoid trial
"The new caption was put out after sensing all the negative sentiments from the public which could simply lead to anger. It was hoped that the new caption could straighten things out and make the situation better.
"We fought. I was sad, unhappy and angry with his action. I told him to delete it but he refused to do so and said it was just for fun and to see the reaction of the public," Lee said in her defence during the examination-in-chief by her lawyer Chong Joo Tian before Judge Abdul Rashid Daud.
She said the picture was taken at an eatery in Jalan Ipoh on July 10, 2013.
READ: Efforts to extradite Alvin Tan ongoing - Jailani
The woman also said that Tan had pushed her when she tried to take his laptop computer.
Lee and Tan, or his real name Tan Jye Yee, were both accused of publishing a picture of them having a meal with a caption "Selamat Berbuka Puasa (with Bak Kut Teh...fragrant, delicious and appetising)" with a halal logo on their joint Facebook page at 9 am on July 12, 2013.
They were charged under Subsection 4(1)(c) of the Seditious Act, which carries a maximum fine of RM5,000 or three years' jail or both, if convicted.
On April 14, the court ordered Lee to enter her defence on the charge.
During the trial, which began on Nov 23 last year, only Lee was present at the court, while Tan fled the country.
READ: I'll never return to Malaysia, even if they roll out a red carpet: Alvin Tan
During the cross examination by deputy public prosecutor Wan Shaharuddin Wan Ladin, Lee denied that she and Tan had uploaded the picture together.
To Wan Shaharuddin's suggestion that she could have uploaded the picture herself, Lee disagreed, saying that did not have a Facebook account or a computer or a smartphone to enable her to do so.
The proceedings continues tomorrow.
READ: Alvin Tan does it again: sparks outrage for lampooning the azan
Bernama
Tue May 10 2016

An April 14, 2016 file photo of Lee at the courts. She said Tan then uploaded the picture and its caption into their Facebook page without seeking her permission even though she was one of the administrators of the page. - BERNAMApic

Air pollution responsible for nearly 7 million deaths annually worldwide
A report by the World Air Quality Index indicated that only 17 per cent of cities worldwide meet the recommended air quality standards.

At least 137 Gazans killed in Israeli attacks since ceasefire
According to the Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor , Israel has been killing an average of seven Palestinians every two days.

Malaysia strengthens semiconductor supply chain with ASEAN member countries - Liew
Malaysia does not intend to compete with neighbouring countries or other ASEAN member states in its efforts to strengthen supply chains.

Six men arrested for alleged misappropriation of subsidised cooking oil in Semenyih
Six men, including five foreigners in their 30s, were arrested for alleged misappropriation of subsidised cooking oil.

Hamas says new round of Gaza ceasefire talks has begun
expressing optimism that the talks could lead to "tangible progress"

Ukraine says ready to accept 30-day ceasefire with Russia
Ukraine conveyed its readiness to accept a 30-day ceasefire with Russia, as delegations from Kyiv and Washington met in Saudi Arabia.

Musk's SpaceX agrees Starlink cooperation with Airtel in India
Tech billionaire Elon Musk plans to enter the Indian internet market with his Starlink satellite system, reported German news agency dpa.

Trump announces higher steel and aluminium tariffs for Canada
US President Donald Trump plans to impose additional high tariffs on steel and aluminium imports from Canada.
![[COLUMNIST] The futility of resisting English: A barrier to national progress [COLUMNIST] The futility of resisting English: A barrier to national progress](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2025-03/81741686561_EMIR.jpg)
[COLUMNIST] The futility of resisting English: A barrier to national progress
Promoting Malay language doesn't mean disparaging or undermining other languages, we can uplift it without diminishing others.

What is driving the bloodshed in Syria?
The violence has pitted the Islamist-led government's security forces against fighters from Assad's Alawite minority.

Only seven countries met WHO air quality standards in 2024, data shows
Only Australia, New Zealand, the Bahamas, Barbados, Grenada, Estonia and Iceland made the grade, according to IQAir.

Gaza hunger crisis could return if Israeli blockade continues, UN relief agency chief says
UNRWA warns the situation in Gaza is quickly deteriorating.

What happened in Philippine drug war that led to Duterte's arrest?
Here are some facts about the drug war during Duterte's presidency from 2016 to 2022.

Soccer - Manchester United plans to build 'world's greatest stadium'
Manchester United plans to build a new 100,000-seat stadium next to the existing Old Trafford, the club announces.

Meta begins testing its first in-house AI training chip
Meta is working with Taiwan-based chip manufacturer TSMC to produce the chip, according to sources.

Russia says it wants united and 'friendly' Syria
Russia has two strategically important military bases in Syria, which it is hoping to retain in the wake of Assad's fall.

Musk says juggling DOGE and CEO jobs is difficult, as Tesla shares slump
Elon Musk says he is running his businesses "with great difficulty" while working with the Trump administration.

Philippine ex-leader Duterte long defiant on deadly drug war
Before becoming president, Rodrigo Duterte earned the nicknames "The Punisher" and "Duterte Harry" for his violent anti-drug crackdown.

Ismail Sabri probe: 36 witnesses finish giving statements to MACC, 23 others to be summoned
A MACC source said 23 other witnesses have also been identified and would be summoned to give their statements soon.

Westin Hotels marks World Sleep Day with wellness-focused offerings
With a growing demand for sleep tourism and wellness travel, Westin aims to solidify its position as a leader in holistic hospitality.