The Islamic Development Department (Jakim) has denied banning a new book comprising a collection of interviews with former Singapore prime minister Lee Kuan Yew.

NONE In a text message to Malaysiakini yesterday, Jakim director Othman Mustapha said his department was merely "studying" the book, titled Lee Kuan Yew: Hard Truths to Keep Singapore Going .

Othman said a committee on censorship of publications with Islamic elements chaired by Perak mufti Harussani Zakaria, was studying the book.

Another department official who spoke to Malaysiakini said the book was yet to be gazetted as a banned item.

"(To ban a book) is within the powers of the Home Ministry," said the source, who requested anonymity.

In the book, Lee is quoted saying: "I think the Muslims socially do not cause any trouble, but they are distinct and separate."

The premier of 31 years was also quoted as urging the Muslim community to "be less strict on Islamic observances” to foster greater integration.

Yesterday, The Malaysian Insider reported that the federal Islamic authorities had declared the book 'haram'.

It was said that Kuan Yew: Hard Truths to Keep Singapore Going was included in a list of 15 books declared banned.

NONE Meanwhile, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Jamil Khir Baharom ( left ) has also denied the reported ban on the book.

"Jakim has no authority to ban the book. That can only be done by the Home Ministry," he told Star .

He said Jakim’s role is only to give its views on the matter.

Jamil Khir said the inaccurate news portal report was regrettable, as it may sour Malaysia-Singapore relations.

In January, Jakim’s former director Wan Mohamad Abdul Aziz criticised Lee for the statements, saying that the Singapore politician was "still influenced by the landscape of the 1960s, which was full of prejudice and presumptions against Muslims".