Puad Zarkashi claimed that the public was disappointed by the ministry’s decision, adding that Putrajaya should find a way to ensure the ban remained in place.

“It is compulsory for Umno to object forcefully,” he said in a Facebook post, claiming the comic book, titled “Belt and Road Initiative for Win-Winism” had put the late Communist Party of Malaya (CPM) leader Chin Peng on a pedestal.

“It’s a subtle way to spread communism and this threatens our stability,” he said.

It was reported yesterday that the home ministry had lifted the ban imposed on Hew’s comic book.

According to a federal government gazette dated Aug 12, the revocation was signed by home minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail on Aug 6. The revocation applies to the comic’s 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 promotes communism and socialism, and spreads 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, popularly known as “Superman Hew”, successfully appealed against the ban on his comic book. The then federal government attempted to reinstate the ban, but the Federal Court turned down its application for leave on Dec 8, 2022.

Last night, Umno Youth 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 Hew’s comic book.

The wing’s chief, Dr Akmal Saleh said that the sensitivities of the Malay-Muslim majority of Malaysia must be prioritised and preserved to ensure stability in this country.