Published: Wednesday November 18, 2009 MYT 7:31:00 PM
Counsel: Banning of SIS book ‘irrational’
By LISA GOH
KUALA LUMPUR: The former Home Affairs Minister’s ban on a book published by Sisters in Islam (SIS) is irrational as he does not say he read the book before imposing the ban, the High Court heard.
SIS contended that since then Home Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar did not state in his affidavit that he had read the book, the decision was not supported by material evidence, and “thus clearly lacking in logic.”
SIS counsel K. Shanmuga submitted that the Minister had admitted to relying almost exclusively on the guidelines by Jakim, when the body was not the proper authority for determining matters involving Islamic law.
“He must read the book. I can’t think of any other way of banning a book.
“The Minister must satisfy himself (before exercising his power), and I submit the only way he can do it is by reading the book,” Shamuga said.
On Dec 15 last year, SIS Forum (Malaysia) had applied for leave for a judicial review to quash an order banning the 215-page book entitled Muslim Women and the Challenges of Islamic Extremism.
It is a compilation of essays based on research by international scholars and activists, edited by sociologist Prof Noraini Othman of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s Institute of Malaysia and International Studies.
It had been in circulation for about two years before being banned.
The Home Ministry banned the book last year under Section 7 of the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984 on the grounds that it was prejudicial to public order.
Syed Hamid was named as the respondent in the application. Representing him is senior federal counsel Noor Hisham Ismail.
Hearing before Justice Justice Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof continues on Dec 8.
Related Stories:
Book ban is irrational and against Constitution: SIS lawyers
SIS vs AG over book ban: Hearing on July 22
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