I am amazed that certain opposition members have taken the liberty to politicise the recent decision by the UK-based Economist Publisher not to circulate in Malaysia the Economist yearbook entitled The World in 2004.

The decision was based on the presumption that the Malaysian authority will likely impose a ban on the sale of the book, due to the article written by Anwar Ibrahim from behind bars. I have a copy of the book which covers a wide range of interesting international issues with credible journalistic value and approach suitable for all readers.

The popular yearbook has always been a collector's item for good reference along with many other reputable publications. Anwar's article should not be the reason behind for the controversial decision not to circulate the book in Malaysia or any other countries for that matter.

I do not share the biased views expressed by Mohd Azmin Ali that the recent tightening of media controls in Malaysia has resulted in the decision by the Economist Publisher not to circulate their yearbook, purportedly due to the controversial Anwar article.

According to my source, the Home Affairs Ministry has no intention to take any action to impose a ban on the book in Malaysia. However, an urgent clarification on the matter from either Home Affairs or an immediate response from the communications head of the Prime Minister's Office would be of public interest, before the issue becomes widely politicised.

On the record however, it is not justifiable for the government, in its own wider interest, to arbitrarily ban controversial articles and deny public access to media publications. However, in the interest of media control, undesirable publications containing sensitive and controversial issues that may have detrimental effect to national security, should not be freely available to the public.

The government has the discretionary right and national obligation to ensure that the majority of the people enjoy the peace and stability without having to face the fear created by the wimps, minority voices and certain irresponsible members of opposition parties.

As an Economist subscriber, I am optimistic that the government will take immediate initiative to clarify its position before the issue blows out of proportion.