“The ministry never approved the distribution of any political propaganda comic book, and schools that received the book have been instructed not to distribute it,” he said in a statement today.

“The ministry will not compromise with any parties which attempt to use schools as a cheap political tool,” he added, referring to the book titled “Belt and Road Initiative for Win Winism”.

On Sunday, Maszlee said anyone who wished to distribute material that was political or “propaganda” in nature must do so through the home ministry.

He has also advised DAP members who are unhappy with the government’s decision to return to the spirit of “rule of law” and “collective responsibility”.

Home Minister Muhyiddin Yassin meanwhile was reported as saying that initial investigations by the ministry’s security division indicated that the content of the book was a cause for concern as it had exceeded the boundaries of politics.

He said stern action would be taken against those behind the distribution, and that investigations into the matter would not be rushed.

The book was published by the Asia Comics and Cultural Museum, headed by former DAP member Hew Kuan Yew, in collaboration with local artist Chong Po Ling.

Forty-three DAP grassroots members, including several state assemblymen, have come out in protest against the ban on the distribution of the book.

Their statement was signed by assemblymen Phoong Jin Zhe (Luyang), Chiong Yoke Kong (Tanah Rata), Chow Yu Hui (Tras), Lee Chin Chen (Bilut) and Leong Yu Man (Triang).