The Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) is alarmed with the frequency and volume of books banning by the ministry. We are concerned that the banning of books harms the public in general and intellectual development and freedom in particular, as Malaysians are excluded from ideas, debates and information.

Since the start of 2006, the ministry has banned over 50 books. Besides this gazetted list, custom checkpoints restrict an undisclosed number of titles from entering the country. Among the banned titles are a number by renowned authors and publishers, children books, a guidebook on kundalini yoga and a contemporary history by a local writer.

The ministry also has not offered to explain the criteria for banning books. This shows a lack of accountability and an underlying assumption that books must be banned.

Banning books is inconsistent with the government's recently launched national reading campaign which seeks to encourage Malaysians to read more. It is also inconsistent with the government's aspiration to develop the human capital for the country's progress. Malaysians will be disadvantaged in learning and articulating ideas in an age of global competition.

We urge the government to allow ideas to circulate freely, to stop banning books or at least make the process of book banning transparent by seeking extensive public input and opening up the debate on book banning. We further urge the government to undertake comprehensive legislative reform to ensure that the right of freedom of speech and academic freedom are respected and upheld.

The writer is executive director of Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ).