Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi refused to be drawn into commenting on the controversy surrounding an event at SK Putrajaya Presint 14(1) on Tuesday, which saw Umno flags in the school compound and pupils singing the party song.

This was despite the party's grassroots leaders in Putrajaya Division defending the activity, denying it was political in nature and that the students were merely taking part in a competition where they re-enacted famous scenes involving Umno's role in the road to Independence.

At a press conference in Kuala Lumpur today, Ahmad Zahid only laughed when asked to comment on whether such events should be allowed to be held in a school.

"You ask Ku Nan (Federal Territories Minister Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor)," he said.

The classroom decoration and performance contest organised by Federal Territories Ministry on Oct 3 where Tengku Adnan was the guest of honour.

At the time, the Tengku Adnan, who is also Umno secretary-general, declined to comment on whether it was okay to have such a heavy Umno flavour to a school event.

Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid said the home ministry banned a book by prominent Turkish journalist Mustafa Akyol because the book was not compatible with Malaysian norms.

"Also, it could cause security issues if allowed to be distributed here," he said.

Mustafa was picked up by the Federal Territories Islamic Department (Jawi) two weeks ago after speaking at a forum in Kuala Lumpur.

In his New York Times column a few days later, Mustafa wrote that his release was secured through help from the Turkish embassy, former Turkish president Abdullah Gul and an unnamed Malaysia royalty.