Malaysiakini reported that four officials from the ministry raided Toko Buku Rakyat at Wisma Central at around 4pm.

The officials seized one copy of a book on Karl Marx (Marx Sang Pendidik Revolusioner or Marx the revolutionary educator) by Robin Small and a copy of his poetry collection (Koleksi Puisi Masturbasi).

He said the officials stated that the action came under the purview of the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984.

In response, Ali was quoted as saying: “You can’t do this… What more, under the leadership of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. This is just like the previous BN (Barisan Nasional) government.”

“I sell books that are not listed in the banned book list. If you (the authorities) are suspicious, you should come, buy the book, and conduct an investigation until you’re satisfied.

“These books are not listed as prohibited. You can’t just come and seize them like this.”

FMT has contacted the home ministry and its minister, Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, for comment.