COMMENT | The recent decision by the Home Ministry to ban several books linked to communism, including a translated work on former Chinese leader Mao Zedong, once again reveals an old national reflex; when confronted with controversial ideology, the state turns to prohibition rather than understanding.

The latest bans reportedly include a Malay-language book on Mao, along with memoirs and historical works related to leftist movements in Malaya.

Malaysia has long treated communism as an exceptionally sensitive subject, shaped by historical memories of insurgency, political violence, and the Emergency era.

But history alone cannot justify permanent intellectual fear.

As someone who teaches politics and international relations, I find such bans deeply...