Seek review of court’s decision on Hew’s book, Akmal urges govt

Seek review of court’s decision on Hew’s book, Akmal urges govt

Umno Youth chief says the sensitivities of the Malay-Muslim majority of Malaysia must be prioritised and preserved to ensure stability.

The front cover of the controversial comic book. The ban on the book was lifted yesterday. (Facebook pic)
PETALING JAYA:
Umno Youth has urged the government to seek a review of the apex court’s decision denying Putrajaya leave to appeal against a Court of Appeal ruling that overturned the ban on a comic book by “Superman” Hew Kuan Yau.

In a Facebook post, Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh maintained that he respected but disagreed with the Court of Appeal’s decision.

“Whoever is in government, the sensitivities of the Malay-Muslim majority (of Malaysia) must be prioritised and preserved to ensure stability in this country,” he said.

The home ministry yesterday lifted the ban on the former DAP member’s comic book titled “Belt and Road Initiative for Win-Winism”. The revocation applies to its publication in three languages — Malay, English and Mandarin.

The comic was initially banned by the home ministry in October 2019, citing concerns that its content promoted communism and socialism, and spread misleading information about communism.

It was alleged to have painted a glowing picture of China and its Belt and Road initiative, while putting the western world in a negative light.

On July 6, 2022, Hew successfully appealed against the ban on his comic book. The federal government attempted to reinstate the ban, but the Federal Court turned down its application for leave on Dec 8, 2022.

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