The Malaysian Institute of Translation and Books (ITBM), Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) and the Perbadanan Kota Buku, in a joint-statement yesterday, said the misunderstanding came following the illustration of communist logo on the book cover.

“This drew the attention of the Indonesian authorities to the Malaysian Pavilion and they seized four copies of the book on the fourth day of the book fair.

“Subsequently, four Malaysian delegates turned up at a police station and an Immigration office for investigations. (They) were allowed to go after the contents of the book was confirmed free from any element that suggest the doctrine,” said the agencies.

According to the statement, the delegates had been allowed to display the book at the Malaysian Pavillion since there were no restrictions on its sale in Malaysia.

The agencies also denied allegations by certain irresponsible quarters that the incident was intended to tarnish the country’s name.