KDN: Enforcement Action On Two Publications To Protect Society From Harmful Ideologies

PUTRAJAYA, April 16 (Bernama) -- Prohibition Orders imposed under the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984 (Act 301) on two publications are a preventive measure to protect society from the spread of beliefs that could disrupt harmony and public order, the Home Ministry (KDN) said.

In a statement today, the ministry said the two publications were “Memoir Shamsiah Fakeh: Dari Awas ke Rejimen Ke-10” and “Komrad ASI (Rejimen 10): Dalam Denyut Nihilisme Sejarah”.

“KDN takes note of the questions raised regarding enforcement action against the two publications. 

“The ministry would like to emphasise that every enforcement action is taken based on current assessments and in the interest of public safety, and is not solely determined by the date of publication of any material,” according to the statement.

The ministry also stressed that all actions are carried out lawfully, carefully and in accordance with the provisions of the law, particularly under Section 7 of Act 301, and guided by relevant expertise.

The statement said that continuous surveillance and intelligence gathering found that publications containing communist elements and ideologies had begun circulating more openly in the market.

KDN said that previously the dissemination of such materials was limited conducted in a closed manner, but recent developments show a tendency to normalise and glorify the ideology, which is contrary to national security interests.

“In this context, KDN rejects claims that enforcement action was aimed at restricting intellectual freedom or scholarly discourse,” it said.

The ministry stressed that it would not compromise on any attempt to spread, promote or revive ideologies that are contrary to existing laws.

“Investigations into both publications are underway, involving publishers such as SIRD, to ensure compliance with legal requirements, including registration status with the Companies Commission of Malaysia and the Registrar of Societies,” the statement said.

At the same time, KDN urged all parties not to escalate the issue or issue statements that could be misleading and spark public polemics, adding that the public may check the status of publication bans through the ministry’s Enforcement and Control Division official channels.

The ministry also expressed its commitment to continue monitoring any elements that could threaten public security and order to ensure that the rule of law is upheld and the country’s well-being is safeguarded at all times.

--BERNAMA