Use of ‘Allah’ in Ultraman comic main reason for ban

PETALING JAYA: The use of the word “Allah” in the Ultraman The Ultra Power comic book is believed to be the reason behind the Home Ministry’s ban on the publication.

Bernama reported on Thursday that the ministry had banned the comic, published by Resign Publi­cations and printed by Network Printers, as it contained elements that could jeopardise public order.

A ministry statement said the prohibition gazette, effective Feb 18, was made under Section 7(1) of the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984.

“It is an offence under subsection 2 of Section 8 of the Printing Pres­ses and Publica­tions Act 1984 for any person to print, import, produce, reproduce, publish, sell, distribute or possess the prohibited publication for any purpose,” the statement said.

Bernama did not report the reason behind the ministry’s decision to ban the publication.

However, it is learnt that the ban resulted from the usage of the word “Allah” to describe one of the Ultraman characters featured in the comic.

A line in the comic is alleged to have read: “Beliau (ultraman) dianggap sebagai dan dihormati sebagai Allah atau elder semua wira ultra ...” (Ultraman is seen and respected as Allah or an elder of all Ultra warriors).

Ministry sources told mStar Online that, “It is abundantly clear that the usage of the term ‘Allah’ to describe one of the character or roles in the Ultraman comic series can cause confusion to Muslim children who read it.

“To Muslims, ‘Allah’ does not resembles any beings. Therefore KDN (Home Ministry) has the right and should act before the publication is circulated widely in public,”

According to the officer, those convicted of such an offence would be liable to a jail term not exceeding three years or a fine not exceeding RM20,000 or both.

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