The application for leave to seek judicial review of the Home Ministry's ban on two cartoon books, filed by Malaysiakini and cartoonist Zulkiflee Anwar Ulhaque, will be heard in chambers on Oct 8.

 High Court judge Aziah Ali fixed the date in chambers this morning and ordered the Attorney-General's Chambers to file a written submission detailing any objections it had on or before Monday, Sept 20, 2010.

NONE Malaysiakini and Zulkiflee, popularly known as Zunar, filed their judicial review on July 26 challenging the banning of the two books of political cartoons on grounds the ban was illegal and infringed on the right of free speech guaranteed by the federal constitution.

The suits also claim that the banning of 1Funny Malaysia and Perak Darul Kartun by the ministry on June 24 this year breached the rules of natural justice and was not done fairly, as neither Zulkiflee nor Malaysiakini were given reasons for the move.

Media reports quoted the ministry's chief secretary, Mahmood Adam, as saying the books were banned because the ministry found them unsuitable for reading by the public.

"The publications have been banned for contents that can influence the people to revolt against the leaders and government policies.

"The contents are not suitable and detrimental to public order," Mahmood has said.

Printing, importing, producing, reprinting, publishing, selling, circulating, distributing or offering to sell or possessing prohibited material or contents are offences under the Printing Presses and Publications Act that are liable to punishment of up to three years' jail, fine of up to RM20,000 or both.

1Funny Malaysia, published in December last year, is a collection of Zulkifli's cartoons published by Malaysiakini from 2005 until 2009.

Perak Darul Kartun was published by Zunar's company, Sepakat Efektif Sdn Bhd, and carries the work of several Malaysian cartoonists, besides Zunar.