Muhyiddin: I banned Hew's comic over communist elements

The government should re-evaluate the rescinding of the ban against Hew Kuan Yau’s comic book, titled “Belt and Road Initiative for Win-Winism”, said former prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin.

Muhyiddin said the ban was implemented when he was home minister due to communist elements in the book.

“There should have been a basic decision. I remember the time of the ban when I was still home minister and it was due to the factors that have been stated before.

“I don’t know what the court’s decision is but the fact is that the comics are not allowed to be brought into schools because there are certain elements of communism and socialism that are not compatible with our culture.

“That’s probably why Umno Youth leader Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh (asked) the government to re-examine the matter,” he told reporters in Kampung Limau Kasturi, Gua Musang.

The Bersatu president added that the issue should not be taken lightly as it involves national security and the children’s future.

‘Prejudicial to public order’

The revocation of the ban on Hew’s comic book was published in a federal government gazette on Monday, signed by Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail on Aug 6 under Section 7(1) of the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984.

The Home Ministry banned the book in October 2019, citing concerns that it promotes communism and socialism, and spreads misleading information about communism.

The book, released to commemorate the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Malaysia, reportedly painted a glowing picture of China and its Belt and Road Initiative, while putting the Western world in a negative light.

The book was also banned as its contents were deemed prejudicial to public order.

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