The Federal Territory Islamic Religious Department (Jawi) today received a letter from the lawyers of ZI Publications which published the book Allah, Liberty & Love - Courage To Reconcile Faith & Freedom , authored by controversial writer Irshad Manji.

NONE However, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Jamil Khir Baharom (right) , who disclosed this to reporters, declined to reveal the content of the letter but said he would leave it to Jawi to act further on it.

"If it is necessary to refer it to the legal division, Jawi will handle it," he told reporters in Putrajaya today.

Malaysiakini had earlier reported that the publisher was considering legal action against Jawi for seizing the books at a bookstore in the federal capital on May 23.

The report claimed the company's proprietor and director, Ezra Zaid (left) wanted to sue Jawi for acting beyond the confines of the law.

NONE In this regard, Jamil Khir said whatever challenges and actions Jawi had to face would not discourage it from safeguarding Islam.

He also said that the book's publisher should have known the requirement for a permit to publish religious books.

He said books, especially on religion, that have been published without a permit will be automatically banned.

The Home Ministry banned the book by Irshad Manji which allegedly contradicts Quranic teachings and hadis.

Meanwhile, Jamil Khir handed over RM700,000 in zakat (tithe) to 27 Muslim non-governmental organisations for their welfare and Islamic propagation programmes.

- Bernama