DAP member of Parliament for Seputeh Teresa Kok has demanded an explanation of the Internal Security Ministry for banning 11 books, mainly on religion, on April 20.

She said the Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, also internal security minister, should state in what way the availability of the books could be "detrimental to public order".

"Simply stating that the publications are detrimental to public order without justifying how they are so is plainly unacceptable," she said in a statement.

Citing A History of God as an example, Kok questioned decision to ban this and 10 other books, all of which are on topics of religion and spirituality. ( See chart )

Published in 1994 and having been on the shelves in Malaysia since then, A History of God is by world renowned journalist and former nun Karen Armstrong.

"What is the rationale of the authorities banning (Armstrong's) book only now, after more than 10 years?" asked Kok, who is also the DAP's national publicity secretary.

"Such a ban violates the fundamental freedom of information, denying the religious community in particular and the public in general from accessing the views expressed in the books."

Kok also called for an immediate review and lifting of the ban on these and other publications banned previously, saying the act of prohibiting publications will impede the nation's quest for advancement.

"The ministry's decision is clearly retrogressive and does not square with the government's aspiration to create a knowledge-society, especially in the present era of information technology," she noted.

"People should have the fundamental freedom of access to information, not just information which the governing authorities deem appropriate (for them to have)."

A History of God traces the history of God as practised in the three major monotheistic faiths: Christianity, Judaism and Islam.

Hailed as a "profound, comparative history of the three major monotheistic faiths" and a book "destined to take its place as a classic", it is listed as a New York Times bestseller and has garnered accolades for the author from readers from around Europe and North America.

Narrow policies

Meanwhile, human rights organisation Suaram has described the banning of the books as "arbitrary and preposterous".

"Suaram regrets the government has once again failed to respect freedom of expression and to accommodate differing views. These are basic blocks in a democratic society. It is not for the state to dictate how and which areas the reading public intends to pursue knowledge and world view," said coordinator Seah Li Ling.

Challenging the view that the 11 books would pose threats to public order, Seah also highlighted the case of " A History of God ".

"Karen Armstrong is a highly regarded scholar and writer of religious issues. Her views may differ from the Malaysian government's decision and from the mainstream discourse within Malaysian society, yet it is preposterous to suggest that her books will cause damage to public order," she said.

"Indeed, it is ironic that on one hand the government pledges to build a knowledgeable society, but on the other hand persists on its narrow policies and restrictive laws. In no way can we anticipate the materialisation of such an ideal in an environment lacking of free flow of information, diverse opinions and open debates."