CPI joins in the call for the rescinding of the ban on the two books and for all civil society organizations and Malaysians to speak out and stand up against the Government’s continued attempts to restrict our freedom of information.
Dr. Lim Teck Ghee
INVITATION TO ATTEND SIS PRESS CONFERENCE ON 19 AUGUST 2008 (TUESDAY) at 10.30 AM*
17 August 2008
Dear Friends,
Sisters in Islam would like to invite all friends, academicians and supporters to attend our press conference. It will be a platform for you to express your views on the book banning and its effect on the freedom of information.
On 14 August 2008, Bernama and other media organisation announced that the Ministry of Home Affairs had banned two books, namely, “Pelik Tapi Benar Dalam Solat”, by Ustaz Abdul Rahman Mohamed, published by Telaga Biru Sdn Bhd, and another titled as, “Muslim Women and the Challenge of Islamic Extremism” by Norani Othman and published by Sisters in Islam, Petaling Jaya dan printed by Vinlin Press Bandar Baru Seri Petaling.
It was announced by the Publications and Quranic Texts Control Division principal assistant secretary Abdul Razak Abdul Latif who said the book was banned for containing twisted facts on Islam that could undermine the faith of Muslims. It came with a prohibition order under Section 7(1) of the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984 and if any individuals found to be in possession, do reprints, or distribute the publications will be jailed not more than three years or fine not more than RM 20,000 or both.
Sisters in Islam is deeply concerned with the allegations made against the publications and the fact that there was no communication prior to the media announcement. SIS hopes that the press conference will help to explain to the public on the contents of the publication. As part of our commitment towards freedom of information, SIS is also taking this opportunity to announce our campaign.
The details are as follows:
Date: 19 August 2008 (Tuesday)
Time: 10.30 a.m. – 12.30 p.m.
Venue: Amada Hotel, Petaling Jaya (nearest LRT – Asia Jaya)*
*Refreshment will be served.*
Thank you.
Warm regards,
Maria Chin Abbdullah
Senior Programme Manager
SIS