The Home Ministry has completed a preliminary check of the book, ‘Malaysian Maverick: Mahathir Mohamed in Turbulent Times'.

NONE When contacted, an official of the Quran Publication and Text Division said the book has been "studied" and that a report has been submitted to top ministry officials.

"It is now up to officials to decide on the status and distribution of the book," said the official, who requested anonymity.

Division secretary Abu Hassan Dahaman could not be contacted for comment, despite repeated attempts. He oversees the approval process for most forms of publications.

The ministry confiscated 800 copies early last month in Port Klang. The withholding of the book has been criticised by social reform group Aliran as "nothing short of crude and reckless censorship".

Written by former Asian Wall Street Journal editor Barry Wain, it critically examines the political beginnings of Mahathir and his leadership as prime minister for 22-years.

Among others, Wain claimed that Mahathir had squandered up to RM100 billion during his tenure, prompting calls for investigation.

Mahathir has since urged the government to establish a Royal Commission of Inquiry to probe the allegations, but this has been shot down .

Although the former premier had conceded that there were financial losses during his term in office, he claimed that the sum would not have exceeded RM10 billion.