KUALA LUMPUR — Controversial preacher Ebit Lew does not seem to shy away from the headlines after he was found to have appeared in a video that showed him sending off 40 individuals to perform umrah at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport recently.
Accused of committing 11 sexual offences, preacher Lew posted the one-minute video on his Instagram account which was later re-shared on X, sparking questions among Malaysians over the intention of the travel agency to involve a preacher who is currently facing criminal charges.
The 38-year-old preacher faces 11 charges at the Tenom magistrate's court, including outraging the modesty of a woman in her 40s by sending obscene words and images to the victim’s phone number via WhatsApp application between March and June 2021.
Last month, during the trial, the complainant testified that Lew asked her to undress and reveal her body during video calls.
The charges, under Section 509 of the Penal Code, carry a penalty of up to five years in prison, a fine, or both if convicted.
Comments on X reflect public concern. One user, @gajuspedas, questioned Lew’s public appearance amid serious allegations.
“I have so many questions, especially (on) Ebit Lew who is there? He has a sexual offences case and he is smiling there.”
In response, the original poster, @aiensyamsul, explained that Lew was only there to send off the pilgrims and noted that he appeared to be a friend of the agency’s owner.
Another user, @ZareenH_s, expressed discomfort at Lew’s public presence: “It’s unsettling when someone facing serious criminal charges can still appear in public, acting as if nothing is wrong. The audacity is truly disturbing.”
User @Syazwanizzatii stated that if she were the organiser, she would distance herself from someone facing such allegations.
“Yeah, no, I wouldn’t want anything to do with him or anyone attending court sessions under suspicion of being a sexual offender. Not a good look,” she commented.
Additionally, another user criticised the situation, suggesting it enables a suspected sex offender
“So many enablers are obsessed with a sex offender. Disgusting,” @Maria2136418717 remarked. — October 28, 2024
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