PUTRAJAYA must first respect the contents of books here before even lobbying for Kuala Lumpur to become the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) World Book Capital in 2020, said author Mohd Faizal Musa.

Faizal, whose pen name is Faisal Tehrani, said it is important for the government to respect the rights of readers to interpret and access books here before seeking international recognition.

The author, who has seven books banned in Malaysia, said this is what happens when the development of the book industry is put into the hands of those who think that books are just paper and ink.

“These books contains beliefs, cultures, sciences, discourses, debates, various solutions, stories and hopes.

“If Malaysia wants to be the Unesco World Book Capital in 2020, they must first respect the contents of the books here,” he told The Malaysian Insight.

Faisal, who is also a research fellow at the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) National Institute of Nature and Malay Civilization (ATMA), said it was important for the government to recognise the rights of authors, artists and academics to offer diverse solutions to issues in the country.

“The problem is that the administrator of the book industry in Malaysia has failed to understand this. It is all a hypocrisy, “he said.

Berita Harian had reported that after Thailand became the first Asean country to be recognised by Unesco as the World Book Capital in 2013, Malaysia is now working hard to achieve the same status by 2020.

The World Book Capital title has so far been given to 19 cities worldwide, since its introduction by Unesco in 2001. It is only given to cities that have shown a strong commitment in organising and promoting reading activities.

For a whole year, starting from April 23, the selected city gets to carry out various promotions related to books, literature, arts and reading activities.

Last June, Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), was announced as the 19th city to receive the World Book Capital 2019 title by Unesco director-general Irina Bokova.

Despite the excitement of hoping to get the World Book Capital title earlier this month, Putrajaya has banned several books, including several of Faisal’s books and those by the Islamic Renaissance Front’s (IRF).

In addition, the government has also banned cartoonist Zunar or Zulkiflee Anwar Ulhaque’s, “Sapuman: Man of Steal” published in Malay and English.

The ban on these books was made shortly after the UN Special Representative on culture Karima Bennoune expressed concern over the propensity of Putrajaya to ban the book.

The Home Ministry recently banned Faisal’s book titled “Aku _______, maka aku ada! (I ___, therefore I am!).

His other works that have been banned include “Perempuan Nan Bercinta”, “Sebongkah Batu di Kuala Berang”, collections of his poems and essays, and the play “Karbala”.

According to the government, the books were banned because they contained elements of Shia teachings that were against the Sunnah Wal Jamaah school of thought.

Commenting on the latest ban, Faisal said this proves that the government does not respect human rights discourse, the country’s history, democratic ideas, criticism of the education system and the idea of liberating people from religious oppression.

“Reader reviews which can be seen on the goodreads.com portals show that they are excited with the approach that I have taken.”

Faisal said that he will not challenge the latest ban.

“I have challenged the earlier bans and I am still waiting for the court’s decision.

“I will not challenge the latest ban, because the book can be read online.” – October 18, 2017.