Malaysiakini and political cartoonist Zulkifli Anwar Ulhaque have decided to challenge Malaysia’s Home Ministry’s decision to ban two Zulkifli’s comics.  The two books, 1 Funny Malaysia and Perak Darul Kartun were published in November 2009 and banned in June under Section 7 of the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984.

The ministry claimed the two books were “prejudicial to public order” but those arguing against the ban are claiming such an extreme act by the ministry is an abuse of power and an attempt to muzzle criticism of Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak and his administration.

The two are represented by lawyers Fahri Azzat, Edmund Bon, K Shanmuga, Amer Hamzah Arshad, Edward Saw and Aston Paiva.

The review would also seek damages on losses incurred due to the inability to sell the books.