Home Ministry Bans Two Indonesian Publications Promoting Syiah Teachings

Putra Jaya, 25 Sya’ban 1437/02 June 2016 (MINA) – Three publications have been banned by the Home Ministry today as they could likely trigger confusion and have negative impacts on Muslims in Malaysia. The three publications are Sinema Spiritual: Dramaturgi Dan Kritikan published by Unit Buku Harakah, Kuala Lumpur; “Rasulullah SAW Sejak Hijrah Hingga Wafat” and “Tafsir Ayat-Ayat Kematian”, both published by Pustaka Hidayah, Bandung, Indonesia.

Home Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Alwi Ibrahim said the ban was gazetted in accordance with the Printing Presses and Publication 1984 (Act 301), adding that the three books contained elements that could threaten public order or alarm public opinion or threaten public interest.

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“These publications have elements promoting the teachings of Syiah against the Islamic faith practised in this country, which is based on the Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah (Sunni),” Alwi Ibrahim was quoted by New Straits Times as saying in a stetement on Wednesday.

Alwi said the decision was made to prevent any attempt to instill Syiah propaganda through distribution or selling of publications to the public which could confuse the Muslims and have negative ramifications from the security and social aspects of the ummah in Malaysia.

Based on the prohibition order, it was an offence under Section 8 (2) of the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984 for anyone to print, import, produce, reproduce, publish, sell, issue, circulate, offer for sale and distribution, as well as to possess such banned publications, he added.

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Those convicted of the offence can be sentenced to a jail term of up to three years and a fine not exceeding RM20,000 or both. (T/R07/R01/R04)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)