Focus on bigger issues than banning comic book, Zaid tells Umno Youth

Former law minister Zaid Ibrahim says Umno Youth should start by calling for a ban on Muslim husbands divorcing their wives through video or WhatsApp.

(FMT) – Former law minister Zaid Ibrahim today criticised Umno Youth for its reaction to the government’s decision to lift the ban on a comic book by a former DAP member which allegedly promotes communism.

Zaid said if Umno Youth is serious about protecting the sensitivity of the majority, it should start by calling for a ban on Muslim husbands divorcing their wives through video or WhatsApp.

In a post on X, he noted that a popular singer was recently divorced by her husband through a video recording the man made.

“What will the rest of society think of us Muslim men who dare not divorce our wives to their faces in front of credible witnesses?” he said.

“What will society think of our religion that permits such a cavalier manner of divorcing our wives, the mothers of our children?

“Umno Youth should focus their sensitive antennae on truly abhorrent matters. Comics are just for fun.

“How men treat women is very important to the well-being of the country. Focus on this and march to the mufti’s office to ban the practice of divorcing wives in this way.”

The home ministry yesterday lifted the ban on former DAP member Hew Kuan Yau’s comic book, titled “Belt and Road Initiative for Win-Winism”. The revocation applies to its publication in three languages: Malay, English and Mandarin.

The comic was initially banned by the ministry in October 2019 after concerns that its content promotes communism and socialism, and spreads misinformation about communism.

It was alleged to have painted a glowing picture of China and its Belt and Road initiative, while putting the Western world in a negative light.

On July 6, 2022, Hew successfully appealed against the ban on his comic book. The then federal government attempted to reinstate the ban, but the Federal Court turned down its application for leave on Dec 8, 2022.

Last night, Umno Youth urged the government to seek a review of the apex court’s decision denying Putrajaya leave to appeal a Court of Appeal ruling that overturned the ban on the book.

Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh said the sensitivities of the Malay-Muslim majority of Malaysia must be prioritised and preserved to ensure stability in the country.

Today, Umno Supreme Council member Puad Zarkashi claimed that the public was disappointed by the ministry’s decision, adding that Putrajaya and Umno should find a way to ensure the ban remained in place.

He alleged that the book had put the late Communist Party of Malaya leader Chin Peng on a pedestal and was a subtle way to spread communism, which he said threatens the country’s stability.