Malaysians can still download the controversial ‘ Allah, Liberty & Love ’ non-fiction book by liberal Muslim author Irshad Manji.

The book which was officially banned by the Home Ministry late last night for teachings that contravene the Al-Quran and Hadith, can be obtained online at https://www.irshadmanji.com/

Manji, in her tweeted statement today, expressed disappointment over the ban, saying that “it is an insult to a new generation of Malaysians”.

NONE “Censorship treats citizens like children. Censorship denies human beings their free will to think for themselves,” she hit out.

Deputy Home Minister Abu Seman Yusop had said that the Malay translated version of the book, ‘ Allah, Kebebasan & Cinta ’, which hit the shelves at major bookstores nationwide earlier, has been sent to the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) for review.

Abu Seman was quoted as saying that the book was being probed under Section 7 Subsection 1 of the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984.

The outraged author, however, defended her book, insisting that the argued the case for faith. “It empowers readers to reconcile Allah and freedom, showing that Muslims can be independent thinkers and profound believers in a loving God.”

“The al-Quran asks that we be humble in our interpretations, since only Allah knows the full and final Truth,” she said.

She argued that the banning of the book was a sign of “insecurity”, adding that there is “nothing humble” about banning ideas.

“Disagree with them, argue against them, even protest them. But to prohibit ideas from being expressed is a sure sign of insecurity,” said Manji.

Free downloads for translated books

Manji, a liberal Muslim activist who openly supports lesbian, gay and bisexual and transsexual (LGBT) lifestyles, was in Malaysia last week to launch her latest book.

Although the book launch was not prohibited, the government banned her from doing a roadshow .

In 2009 her previous book, entitled 'The Trouble With Islam Today ', was also banned in Malaysia.

However, readers can also download the translated versions of ' The Trouble with Islam Today ', for free.

“May the citizens of Malaysia deepen their personal faith and fight for their God-given free will,” added Manji.

NONE Meanwhile, the publishers of ' Allah, Kebebasan & Cinta' are planning to submit an appeal on the Home Ministry’s decision for review in court.

Ezra Zaid ( right ), ZI Publication’s director and owner, pointed out that the ministry had not made it clear whether the translated book was also banned.

“No update has been posted on the ministry’s website, while attempts to contact the ministry for clarification have proved unsuccessful. ZI Publications requests that the ministry clarifies this and the details of the ban for all parties involved,” said Ezra in a statement.

“While this publishing house respectfully disagrees with this decision, or that to ban any other book, we will continuously work within and according to the rule of law - unlike the actions of certain state departments in recent events,” said Ezra, adding that the books have been formally recalled from bookstores nationwide.