SIS Protest Bannings

Sisters In Islam have sent me this invitation to a forum tomorrow and I post it here because I feel it is vitally important to protest on the issue of book banning in Malaysia.

Dear Friends,

Sisters in Islam would like to invite all friends, academicians and supporters to attend our press conference. It will be a platform for you to express your views on the book banning and its effect on the freedom of information.

On 14 August 2008, Bernama and other media organisation announced that the Ministry of Home Affairs had banned two books, namely, "Pelik Tapi Benar Dalam Solat" (Strange but True Elements in Solat Prayers) by Ustaz Abdul Rahman Mohamed, published by Telaga Biru Sdn Bhd, and another titled as, "Muslim Women and the Challenge of Islamic Extremism" by Norani Othman and published by Sisters in Islam, Petaling Jaya dan printed by Vinlin Press Bandar Baru Seri Petaling.

It was announced by the Publications and Quranic Texts Control Division principal assistant secretary Abdul Razak Abdul Latif who said the book was banned for containing twisted facts on Islam that could undermine the faith of Muslims. It came with a prohibition order under Section 7(1) of the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984 and if any individuals found to be in possession, do reprints, or distribute the publications will be jailed not more than three years or fine not more than RM 20,000 or both.

Sisters in Islam is deeply concerned with the allegations made against the publications and the fact that there was no communication prior to the media announcement. SIS hopes that the press conference will help to explain to the public on the contents of the publication. As part of our commitment towards freedom of information, SIS is also taking this opportunity to announce our campaign.

The details are as follows:

Date: 19 August 2008 (Tuesday)

Time: 10.30 a.m. – 12.30 p.m.

Venue: Amada Hotel, Petaling Jaya (nearest LRT – Asia Jaya)

Refreshments will be served.

Thank you.

Warm regards,

Maria Chin Abbdullah

Senior Programme Manager SIS

The book Muslim Women and the Challenge of Islamic Extremism has apparently been on sale since 2005 and is a compilation of papers arising from a seminar among Muslim women’s groups from around the region and edited by Norani Othman, an experienced academic and researcher.

One wonders why the authorities have decided to ban it after all this time?

More posts on banned books here.