The Penang Digital Library confirmed receiving a booking earlier for a community lecture, but said further checks revealed that its content was not related to education or self-improvement.

The library said it was an institution based on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) located in a school area.

“Therefore, any programme, course, and workshop conducted here needs to be education-based and suitable for a library setting without disrupting other users.

“Feasts and any programme related to religious activities, race, or sensitive issues are not allowed at all,” it said in a statement.

Earlier, Penang Muda questioned why the anti-Azam ceramah was not allowed to be held in the library despite obtaining advanced reservation.

It claimed that there were no clear guidelines in the reservation system that prohibited public lectures on current issues.

The ceramah, which centres on the shareholding controversy involving the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission chief, was supposed to feature Muda, Bersih, and Mandiri, among others.

The event will be held instead at the George Town event space COEX @Kilang Besi at 6pm today.