The Malaysian Muslim Youth Movement (Abim) has a point in asking for the ban on Karen Armstrong's books to be lifted. A year ago, I was handed History of God by a friendly preacher of the local 'surau' near my home. Having read it, I realised Armstrong was of the Bucaille genre.

Maurice Bucaille was, in the 70s, a physician to the Saudi king and in his writings, he softened the hard edges of the Islamic doctrine. His detractors say he was commissioned and amply rewarded to write 'favourably' about Islam, but that is another issue.

Bucaille and those of his ilk such as Armstrong, offered the 'infidel's view' of Islam and their views are well received in the 'Wahabbi' and 'Sufi' institutions of Islamic learning. In particular, they are received well by non-Muslims who know very little about the doctrine.

Therefore, having her books banned in Malaysia, while Aaayan Hirsi Ali's The Caged Virgin and Infidel are found on local bookstore shelves must be quite frustrating for Abim, not to mention the adherents, who now realise that they have a true blue Catholic on their side.

Apparently, to the chagrin of Abim and the adherents, our reviewers are remiss in researching the doctrine of the authors before taking action.