The author of a controversial book on the deadly 1969 race riots today urged authorities not to ban it, saying it would help mend old wounds.

The book, 'May 13: Declassified Documents on the Malaysian Riot of 1969,' tries to shed light on the unrest that killed hundreds of people and traumatised the nation 12 years after its independence from Britain.

Kua Kia Soong expressed concern after officers from the Internal Security Ministry confiscated 10 copies from a Kuala Lumpur book store on Tuesday.

"Unless we know the truth and have a national reconciliation commission, the country will not be at peace," said Kua.

"I hope they don't ban it. They will be doing themselves a great disservice."

The deputy internal security minister reportedly said this week the books were seized to see whether they broke rules on public order, morality or security.

Violence were orchestrated

Kua based the book on declassified British security documents, which included eye-witness accounts and intelligence information.

He argues the race riots did not spontaneously erupt among the Malays and Chinese - which has long been the official version.

Instead, the riots were orchestrated to smear Malaysia's first prime minister Tunku Abdul Rahman in an attempted coup d'etat by his eventual successor, Abdul Razak Hussein, said Kua.

Activists and writers today slammed the book seizure and said they would start a petition to ensure it was freely available.

They also urged the government to declassify its documents on the 1969 riots.

"If the May 13 incident is not open for in-depth study, and if it cannot be discussed academically, as it is in the book, this tragic event will forever be used to create suspicion and fear among the races in this country," said Hasmi Hashim.

Kua said the first run of 1,000 copies was nearly sold out and a further 5,000 copies would be available from tomorrow.

Unveiling the May 13 riots