Ban book if it's against Islam, say muftis

KUALA LUMPUR - Two state muftis have called on the government to ban the Malay translation of Allah, Kebebasan dan Cinta, a book by Ugandan-born Canadian author Irshad Manji, if it is found to deviate from Islam.

The call was made by Perak mufti Tan Sri Harussani Zakaria and Selangor mufti Datuk Mohd Tamyes Abdul Wahid.

On Saturday, a scheduled launch of the Malay translation of her book at the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall and several of her speaking engagements had to be cancelled due to security concerns.

According to her website, the seven-chapter book "shows all of us how to reconcile faith and freedom in a world seething with repressive dogmas. This book is the ultimate guide to becoming a gutsy global citizen".

Irshad had also openly admitted to being a lesbian and also has supported Lesbian, Gay, Bisexsual and Transexual (LGBT) lifestyles.

Harussani said her beliefs as outlined in the book were clearly against Malaysia's position as an Islamic country and the norms of Malaysian society.

"All state religious departments had been informed not to allow her deviant agenda to spread in this country." (...)