The government has banned a total of 18 books, including four related to Ashaari Muhammad, the former leader of the outlawed Islamic sect Al-Arqam.

According to Bernama , the Internal Security Ministry said the ban came into effect last month.

The books banned include three published by Minda Ikhwan. These are Abuya Ashaari Muhammad: Pemimpin Paling Ajaib di Zamannya (Ashaari Muhammad: The Most Miraculous Leader of His Time) written by Khadijah Aam.

Tsunami Pembawa Mesej dari Tuhan (Tsunami brings a message from God) by Ashaari Muhammad and Kathijah Aam and Pendidikan Rapat dengan Rohaniah Manusia (Teachings linked to human spirituality) by Ashaari Muhammad.

Another book blacklisted is Mengapa Sebahagian Bekas Pemimpin Arqam Menentang Haji Ashaari (Why some former Arqam leaders challenged Ashaari) by Dr Mohd Noor Mohd Basir dan Alifi Alias. The book is published by Perniagaan Mata Angin.

Touched on Islam

The ministry said the books were banned because they touched on Islam, contained misleading facts and insulted the prophet.

It said the ban was effected under the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984.

Of late, the authorities claim that the Al-Arqam teachings are being revived through Rufaqa corporation, a business entity with diverse interests headed by Ashaari.

However, Rufaqa has denied this and challenged the authorities to provide proof.

Ashaari, who was once detained under the Internal Security Act, currently resides in Nilai, Negeri Sembilan.

Other books banned include Kamasutra: Apakah Kebaikannya (Kamasutra: What are its benefits) by Drs Munir Rahmat, Pengakuan Mangsa Rogol (A rape victim's confession) by Ayu Mayangsari, Negara Tuhan (God's country) by Tigga, The Origin of Species by F Susilohardo Basuki Hernowo, Islam and the West: A New Political and Religious Order Post September 11 by Robert Van de Weyer, Who is a Muslim published by Sathiyaney, March 8 by K Arumugum and numerous others.