Zaid’s book banned by Home Ministry

PETALING JAYA: The Home Ministry has banned a book written by lawyer and DAP politician Datuk Zaid Ibrahim.

A Federal Government gazette published on Dec 19 said the book, Assalamualaikum (Peace Be Upon You): Observations on the Islamisation of Malaysia, was prohibited.

The order, issued in accor­dance with the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984, was signed by the Home Minister on Dec 4.

The order, which listed Zaid as the author and ZI Publications Sdn Bhd as the publisher, said the book was likely to be prejudicial to public order as well as public interest and is likely to alarm public opinion.

The order stated that the printing, importation, production, reproduction, publishing, sale, issue, circulation, distribution or possession of the publication is prohibited throughout Malaysia.

A review of the book published two years ago said it explores the nature of political Islamisation, its origins, its chief personalities, how it has grown and what it means for Malaysia.

When contacted, Zaid who is a former de facto Law Minister, said he was not aware of the ban.

“I hold strongly to the view that the future of the country and its prosperity depends on whether Malays are able to think properly about important issues.

“Since Islamisation is an important issue to them, I felt it necessary to give my views on the subject, so the Malays have an opportunity to understand it from a different perspective,” he said.

Asked whether he would appeal the order, Zaid said he would consult his lawyer Datuk Seri Gopal Sri Ram on the possibility of seeking a judicial review.