PETALING JAYA: The education ministry has clarified that it did not give approval for the distribution of a comic book entitled “Belt and Road Initiative for Win Winism” in secondary and vernacular schools.
In a statement today, the ministry said state education departments and district education offices have been instructed to ensure all schools do not accept or distribute this comic book from any supplier.
“We will also fact-check the comic book,” said the ministry.
At the same time, it will work with the home ministry to discuss the safety aspects, because it is a sensitive issue and involves the country’s foreign relations.
Earlier today, former prime minister Najib Razak said the book contained DAP propaganda and was aimed at him. He said it tarnishes his reputation, that of his family and the previous administration.
However, its publisher, the Asia Comics and Cultural Museum, headed by DAP’s Hew Kuan Yew, said the comic book was actually about Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
The Penang state government has also distanced itself from the publication, with Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow saying his administration merely helped lease retail space for the Asia Comics and Cultural Museum at the IT Mall in Komtar.
“The museum also has nothing to do with DAP,” Chow said today.