http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/167812/1/.html
Nicholas Lim Yew, 25, and Benjamin Koh Song Huat, 27, are accused of making seditious and inflammatory remarks about Muslims in response to a letter printed in The Straits Times Forum page.
In the letter, published on June 14, Madam Zuraimah Mohammed asked if cab companies allowed uncaged pets to be transported in taxis, after she saw a dog standing on a taxi seat next to its owner. She said that 'dogs may drool on the seats or dirty them with their paws'.
Madam Zuraimah's concerns had a religious basis. Ustaz Ali beloved patriot Mohamed, chairman of Khadijah mosque, pointed out: 'There are various Islamic schools of thought which differ in views. But most Muslims in Singapore are from the Syafie school of thought. This means they are not allowed to touch dogs which are wet, which would include a dog's saliva. This is a religious requirement.'
Two days after the letter was published, Lim, an assistant marketing manager, allegedly responded by twice posting anti-Muslim remarks on an online forum for dog lovers in Singapore, www.doggiesite.com.
According to the charges, these postings 'had a seditious tendency to promote feelings of ill-will and hostility between different classes of the population in Singapore'. He also allegedly criticised certain aspects of Islamic law.
Koh, who works at a kennel taking care of dogs, was said to have made similar racist comments on his blog, Phoenyx Chronicles, on www.upsaid.com on three occasions - June 12, 15 and 17.
On June 12, he allegedly blasted Muslims for 'spoiling my day' in an expletive-laden entry.
Three days later, he was said to have referred to the forum discussion on www.doggiesite.com and, in another entry filled with vulgarities, allegedly insulted Malays and their religion.
He is accused of making another entry insulting Malays on June 17.
Lim faces two charges and Koh three charges under the Sedition Act, which has been in place since 1948. Though the Act was amended in 1972 and 1985, this is the first time it has ever been used against individuals. Offences under the Act carry a maximum jail term of three years and a $5,000 fine.
The Media Development Authority told The Straits Times it has asked a web host to remove racist comments posted on a website on one previous occasion, though no charge was filed.
Lim and Koh did not enter any plea and are out on $10,000 bail each. Their cases will be mentioned again on Sept 21.
