Eight publications banned by ministry

PUTRAJAYA: The Home Ministry prohibited eight publications whose contents were deemed a threat to public interest, public peace and morals as well as “disturbing the minds” of the people.

Among the eight was one by prominent Muslim academic Farish A. Noor titled From Majapahit to Putrajaya: Searching for Another Malaysia, a 333-page book first published in 2005.

Home Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Alwi Ibrahim said Farish’s book and another titled Al Yahud: Eternal Islamic Enmity & The Jews contained elements that insulted Islam.

“The two publications can give negative implications from the aspect of national security.”

Alwi said the prohibition order was issued under Section 7(1) of the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984 (Act 301).

“The order stipulates that the printing, importation, production, reproduction, publishing, sale, issue, circulation, distribution or possession of that publication is prohibited in Malaysia,” he said in a statement yesterday.

Alwi added that five other publications were found to contain facts that were confusing and contradictory to the teachings of Islam according to the Sunnah Wal Jamaah Sect practised in this country.

“Such publications can also confuse the public and are categorised as deviating from the true teachings of Islam,” he said.

The five publications are Isu Semasa Dalam Risalah: Hukum Barat Pun Islam, Isu Semasa Dalam Risalah: Konsep Kebebasan dan Agama, Menuju Reformasi Perundangan Islam, Zainab Srikandi Cucu Baginda Muhammad S.A.W. and Imam Mahdi Yang Ditunggu Dan Malapetaka Akhir Zaman.

Another publication, titled Saucy Seaside Postcards was also prohibited for having sexy elements and graphic photographs. – Bernama