Home Ministry’s inconsistent handling of books a concern, says PKR Youth

PETALING JAYA: PKR Youth has criticised the Home Ministry for what it described as a troubling “double standard” in the treatment of certain books.

In a statement, it expressed disappointment and concern over the recent actions of the ministry in confiscating books and reading materials from the People’s Bookstore at Wisma Central, Kuala Lumpur.

The movement’s vice-chief Tyra Hanim Razali said this stance had implications on intellectual freedom in the country and developing a robust, civil society.

She noted that the confiscated scholarly reading materials were not on the prohibited list.

ALSO READ: Why seize books that aren’t banned, questions lawyers group

“The seizure of books not on the banned list contradicts Section 7(1) of the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984, which states that any order to prohibit (a) publication must be officially gazetted.

“PKR Youth would like to remind the ministry that the government cannot afford to lose the support of scientists and intellectual activists in driving the vision… (for a) Civil Malaysia,” she said on Monday (Aug 21).

Tyra Hanim said the confiscation was an act of intimidation against alternative and small book publishers and dealers in Malaysia.

She noted that books like “Marx the Revolutionary Educator” and “Masturbation Poems,” which challenge societal norms, have the potential to stimulate critical thought and should not be stifled.

She cited as an example of double standards the availability of “Mein Kampf” by Adolf Hitler, which promotes the political ideology of Nazism.

“Why are such titles widely available in bookstores across Malaysia without restriction while other materials face confiscation?” she asked.

It was reported that the ministry raided Toko Buku Rakyat, a bookstore owned by local author and educator Benz Ali.

Officials raided the store at Wisma Central at 4pm on Friday (Aug 18) and confiscated two books: “Marx Sang Pendidik Revolusioner”, a Malay translation of “Karl Marx: The Revolutionary as Educator” by Robin Smalls; and Benz’s own book “Koleksi Puisi Masturbasi”.

Neither is on the banned books list.