Faisal Tehrani unsure if latest novel will be banned
Novelist Faisal Tehrani.KUALA LUMPUR, July 6 — Similar to the release of his two earlier novels and a play, Faisal Tehrani is unsure if his latest novel “Perempuan Nan Bercinta” will be banned by local religious authorities.
The Islamic Development Department of Malaysia (Jakim) is considering banning the 410-page novel after receiving complaints it has Shiite-related content although his earlier works were never banned after investigations had concluded.
“I was not given the chance to defend myself, contacted or offered helped by any individuals or organisations from the literary field,” he told a press conference here today.
But the Kavyan writers group said it is ready to represent Faisal, whose real name is Dr Mohd Faizal Musa.
“If Kavyan is willing to help me, I am more than willing to accept it,” he added.
Kavyan president Uthaya Sankar SB said the group will write to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak to ascertain the novel’s fate after Jakim confirmed it is in the process of imposing a ban on the novel.
Najib launched the book last Tuesday, saying that novelists have the freedom to write in the country.
A Jakim official told The Malaysian Insider today it will propose a ban on any reading material containing content that contrasts with the beliefs of Muslims in Malaysia should it receive any complaints.
The department added that it can advise and suggest the steps that should be taken but it is up to the Home Ministry to ban any material deemed offensive.
