The Kuala Lumpur High Court (Appellate and Special Powers division) has fixed March 10 next year to hear separate judicial review applications by cartoonist Zunar and Malaysiakini .

azlan This is to challenge the Home Ministry ban on two books on political cartoons - ‘1Funny Malaysia’ and ‘Perak Darul Kartun’.

Last month, Justice Mohd Zawawi Salleh had granted leave (permission) to Zunar, whose real name is Zulkiflee Anwar Ulhaque and Malaysiakini to challenge the ban.

The plaintiffs claim that the ban is illegal and an infringement of the right of free expression as guaranteed by the federal constitution.

They also claim that the ban has breached the rules of natural justice and was not done fairly, as neither was given reasons for the action.

Both applications seek a removal of the ban, as well as damages incurred over loss of business resulting from the ban.

The books were banned on June 24, with the ministry stating that the publications are "not suitable and are detrimental to public order", and that they could "influence the people to revolt against the leaders and government policies".