Forty-three DAP Youth grassroots members have come forward to defend a comic book authored by a former party member regarding China's Belt and Road Intiaitive (BRI).
In a joint statement, the group said Education Minister Maszlee Malik should not ban a comic book from schools if it is factual, even if it is BN-era book about former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak.
As such, they said the BRI for Win-Winism comic should be allowed in schools as it encourages friendship between Malaysia and China.
"Even though it contains political elements about before and after the May 9 election, it is based on facts and there are no lies or hyperbole and it is not full of DAP propaganda as claimed by Najib.
"As long as it does not contravene universal values, university libraries and even secondary schools should give space for intellectual books.
"Just as we did not oppose the Transformasi Najib comic being placed in schools because we believe students can think independently," they said.
Transformasi Najib was a comic that was reportedly distributed in schools sometime in 2012 and contained among others a conversation between soldiers on whether they supported the government or the opposition.
Among those who signed today's DAP statement were DAP Youth secretary Eric Teh, Selangor DAP Youth deputy chief Koo Jeng Teng and Sabah Youth and Sports Minister Phoong Jin Zhe.
Four Pahang DAP assemblypersons also signed it including Chiong Yoke Kong (Tanah Rata), Chow Yu Hui (Tras), Lee Chin Chen (Bilut) dan Leong Yu Man (Triang).
Maszlee had previously said no permission was given for the BRI comic book to be distributed in schools.
The book was authored by Hew Kuan Yew, who is also the curator of the Asia Comic Cultural Museum and CEO of Malaysia-China Business Council.
Although the comic has been long in circulation, controversy erupted after former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak publicised attempts on having the book distributed in schools.
Najib had alleged that the book contained pro-DAP propaganda while demonising him. Hew had argued that this was not true as the book was meant to explain the Belt and Road initiative.
Meanwhile, Home Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said there was "something wrong" with the book and his ministry would be questioning the publisher soon.
Police said they had taken a statement from the comic's artist yesterday. - Mkini
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