I BELIEVE most moderate Malaysians are depressed, dismayed and even shocked that the Home Ministry has thought it fit to ban the G25 book entitled Breaking the Silence : Voices of Moderation – Islam in a Constitutional Democracy.

Surely this ban will rob us of our joy in celebrating our 60 Merdeka anniversary just next month.

The basis for the ban is that the book “is likely to be prejudicial to public order, public opinion and public interest”.

The ministry should state clearly the evidence of any resulting public disorder and openly explain whose public opinion and public interest has been prejudiced or badly hurt by this learned G25 book?

If the interests of the non-moderates and even some extremists have been prejudiced or badly hurt, why then should our government take such extreme measures to ban an intellectual book like that from the well respected G25, who were my colleagues, who have admirably and loyally served our country so long and so well?

The authors, as well described by the G25 spokesperson, former outstanding Malaysian ambassador Noor Farida Ariffin, are some of our leading national intellectuals, such as Prof Shaad Faruki, Prof Chandra Muzzaffar, Prof Azmi Sharom and Ratna Osman the outspoken director of Sisters of Islam.

Given this background, it is no wonder that Farida is flabbergasted at the drastic action taken by the Home Ministry. Indeed most moderate Malaysians share her shock and are stunned by this unfortunate government decision which raises even bigger questions in the public mind, especially at this time before the 14th general election.

These questions are –

1. Is the Government becoming more intolerant of Moderate Views?
2. Are our fundamental freedoms of free speech and freedom of expression, and indeed other  basic freedoms, now under greater threat?
3. If the book ban is politically inspired and designed, to please the non-moderates, then are we losing the battle against the extremists and parochialists and bigots?
4. Are we using the concept of “state capture” to suppress contrary but constructive views and thus undermining sound public debate in a healthy democracy?
5. Are we heading for a non-secular state and if so, then all the more that we, the general public, should be better informed.   

In conclusion,

Many other questions can be raised as this decision to ban the G25 book can have far reaching  implications and cause deep doubts and concerns as to the future direction in our way forward to National Transformation 2050 (TN50) and beyond.

I therefore appeal to the Home Minister to review the ban and to withdraw it – even if he has to insist that some passages in the banned G25 book could be revised. This can be done with mutual agreement in consultation with the G25’s able authors.

But for the sake of our national credibility and our nation’s future, and to be consistent with our prime minister’s constant and fervent call for the promotion and practice of Wasatiyah (moderation), please follow the call to withdraw the ban of the G25 book .

I believe the larger public will appreciate it! – July 28, 2017.

*Ramon Navaratnam is Asli Center of Public Policy Studies chairman, a G25 member, and a former senior civil servant.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.