KUALA LUMPUR – The ban on former DAP member Hew Kuan Yau’s comic book will remain as the high court here dismissed his judicial review on the Home Ministry’s decision.
With this ruling, the ministry has the right to keep all seized copies of the Belt and Road Initiative for Win-Winism publication.
Hew, better known as “Superman Hew”, is listed as a co-author of the book published by the Asia Comic Cultural Museum in Malay, English and Chinese.
The publication allegedly supports China’s Belt and Road Initiative, among others.
The ban order, which includes versions in all three languages, was handed down by the ministry and gazetted by the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) on October 23, 2019.
Hew’s application – filed on November 26, 2019 – listed the home minister (unnamed), ministry, AGC and the Malaysian government as respondents.
In her ruling today, judge Noorin Badaruddin said the decision to ban the book is legal, reasonable and ought to not be disturbed by the court.
Upon examining its content, she added, the home minister decided that it has the potential to disrupt public order.
“In balancing the discretion exercised by the minister and requirement of public order, with the interest and freedom of the applicant (Hew), this court gives more weight to the views of the executive on matters of public order.
“It is obvious that for the minister in charge of home affairs and internal security, public order and safety must be of primary concern.
“This court finds no merit in the (judicial review) application and dismisses it with RM5,000 in costs.” – The Vibes, April 26, 2021
