Irshad Manji publisher gets nod to fight book ban
Irshad speaks during a forum on the Malay translation of her book, in Kuala Lumpur May 19, 2012.—File picKUALA LUMPUR, Aug 13 — The High Court here today allowed a judicial review application to challenge the ban on the book by the publisher of Irshad Manji’s Malay translation of “Allah, Liberty and Love” to “Allah, Kebebasan dan Cinta”.
Judge Abang Iskandar Abang Hashim rendered the decision in chambers in the presence of senior federal counsel Shamsul Bol Hasan, who represented the deputy home minister and two others, and lawyer K. Shanmuga appearing for ZI Publications Sdn Bhd.
Shanmuga told reporters that the respondents had not objected to the application but no hearing date was set.
On July 9, ZI Publications had filed for a judicial review naming the deputy home minister, home minister and the Malaysian government as the respondents.
The company claimed that they were not allowed any opportunity to voice their view on the matter before the deputy home minister’s May 29 ban on the printing, importing, producing and selling of the book.
They further claimed that the book only contained opinions in the form of brief summaries criticising current approaches in the administration of the religion, which was not harmful.
They asserted that the ban was invalid as it was inconsistent with Article 10(1)(a) and 8(1) of the Federal Constitution, related to freedom of speech and expression.
They are seeking to dismiss the respondent’s order and have the order declared null, with cost. — Bernama
