PUTRAJAYA: Home minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail says it would be inaccurate to describe the home ministry’s action against the Toko Buku Rakyat bookstore last Friday as a “raid”.
At a press conference after the ministry’s monthly assembly, Saifuddin said ministry officials had “taken” two books from the bookstore in Kuala Lumpur to be reviewed for any illegal elements.
He said the books were “taken” following a public complaint, adding that they would be returned if their contents do not contain any elements that can disturb public peace.
“Seizing implies that we raided the whole store … we only took two books.
“The purpose is to investigate, review and examine if their contents go against the law (Section 7(1) of the Printing and Publications Act).”
Last Friday, local author Benz Ali complained that the ministry officials seized two books from his bookstore despite them not being on the banned list.
Malaysiakini reported that officials seized a copy of “Marx Sang Pendidik Revolusioner” or “Marx the Revolutionary Educator” by Robin Small and a copy of Benz’s poetry book “Koleksi Puisi Masturbasi”.
Saifuddin also said the books will be thoroughly examined by a panel of experts.
“We are not bound by a specific timeframe. Let the study be carried out carefully.”
Among those who have slammed the home ministry for the incident were legal rights group Lawyers for Liberty, which said government enforcers had acted unlawfully, unconstitutionally and recklessly.
Petaling Jaya MP Lee Chean Chung said the home ministry’s actions were excessive and beyond their officials’ jurisdiction.
