Sisters in Islam (SIS) hopes the Court of Appeal will honour and stand by the High Court 2008's decision to lift the ban on its book ‘ Muslim Women and the Challenges of Islamic Extremism '.

"SIS maintains that Justice Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof's decision was courageous, principled and commendable," said the women's rights NGO in a statement yesterday.

"We hope the Court of Appeal will honour and stand by the judicious decision made by the High Court."

muslim women and the challenge of islamic extremism noraini othman The government banned the NGO's book ‘Muslim Women and the Challenges of Islamic Extremism' in 2008 but SIS managed to get the High Court to overturn the ban.

Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof had ruled that the book did not constitute a threat to public order.

The Home Ministry however appealed the decision on Feb 3, 2010.

According to SIS, Mohamad Ariff in his written judgment said there were no objective facts to show that the book would "disturb public order, confuse Muslim women or confuse those with shallow knowledge of Islam".

He also said that as the book had already been in circulation for two years before the ban, during that period there was "no evidence that public order had been threatened as a result of the book's contents".

"He also concluded that the minister's decision constituted ‘an error in law' on the grounds of 'illegality' and 'irrationality' and that it was 'wholly disproportionate' to the concern expressed," said SIS.

Book represents rights and freedoms

The book, a collection of essays by activists and international intellectuals, was banned by the Home Ministry on July 31, 2008, on the grounds that it was "prejudicial to public order" or could upset the security of the country.

NONE It was also accused of being "inclined towards confusing the Muslim community especially women".

SIS however explained, "These essays attempt to discuss issues that are related to the rights of Muslim women. The ability to maintain these rights are inexorably intertwined with freedom of expression.

"We must be able to openly discuss, without fear, critical issues that are related to Muslim women, in particular when they impact our everyday lives."

"In reversing the ban, the judge effectively safeguarded not only a constitutional liberty, namely freedom of expression, but a means by which to uphold women's rights," said the NGO.

It is their third book to be banned .

The appeal hearing tomorrow follows on the heels of the banning of Canadian author Irshad Manji's ‘ Allah, Liberty and Love '.

Earlier this month, the store manager of Borders bookstore in Mid-Valley was charged with distributing Manji's book.