The ministry’s secretary-general, Alwi Ibrahim, said the prohibition order dated Nov 26, 2018 was issued because the publication tried to disseminate “erroneous and confusing” facts about communists.

He said the book also contained elements which were supportive and sympathetic towards the communists, who were said to have fought “tooth and nail” for independence.

“The prohibition order was imposed on the publication because its contents may be detrimental to public order and security,” he said.

Alwi said the prohibition order, gazetted under Section 7(1) of the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984, specified that the printing, importation, reproduction, publication, sale, production, circulation, distribution or possession of the publication is strictly prohibited in Malaysia.

Those convicted of such offences could be jailed up to three years or fined a maximum of RM20,000.

Alwi said members of the public who came across such materials being distributed in the market could lodge a complaint with the ministry’s enforcement and control division, at 03 – 88868047 or fax 03 – 88891682 or via the Integrated Public Complaint System on moha.spab.gov.my.