Proposed ban on scholar’s books helped publicise it, says publisher

‘Perikatan Ulama-Negara: Punca Autoritarianisme dan Kemunduran Dunia Muslim’ and ‘Islam, Autoritarianisme dan Kemunduran Bangsa’ are translations of two published works by Ahmet T Kuru.

PETALING JAYA: 

A proposal by religious authorities to ban two works by a US-based scholar has inadvertently generated greater buzz for the books, publisher Lestari Hikmah has revealed.

Its chairman, Rashidi Nasharuddin said that Ahmet T Kuru’s translated work, “Perikatan Ulama-Negara: Punca Autoritarianisme dan Kemunduran Dunia Muslim” was already popular, with 400 copies of the book sold prior to the proposed ban.

Rashidi said they had in fact placed an order for an additional 400 copies when news hit that the National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs and the Malaysian Islamic development department (Jakim) had recommended that the two books be banned.

The translation of Kuru’s other book, “Islam, Autoritarianisme dan Kemunduran Bangsa”, was just as popular, said Rashidi.

Both books are still in high demand, he said, but added it had more to do with Lestari Hikmah’s loyal readership in Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia.

“Still the news of the proposed ban helped market the two books, and I reckon both books would be sold out next month, which coincides with the international book fair.

“I guess we could say that there is some sort of ‘hikmah’ (silver lining) behind the proposed ban,” he told FMT.

Rashidi said that he was informed by think tank, Islamic Renaissance Front (IRF), that a 500-copy print-run of Kuru’s second book also almost sold out prior to the proposed ban.

When contacted, IRF founder Dr Ahmad Farouk Musa said the proposed ban had generated more interest in the books.

He said the authorities may have overlooked the fact that banning a book could amplify its appeal, making it appear more “intriguing” or even “dangerous” to the public, and fuelling curiosity about the controversial nature of its content.

“And then there is this desire to defy the ban,” added Farouk.

He went on to say curiosity could also lead to a more active reading experience.

“Perhaps they are not merely consuming the book but also seeking to understand the reasons behind its ban and its potential hazard and poison.”

Separately, Kuru said he is heartened to see that Lestari Hikmah has reprinted one of his books and is also encouraged by the response from Malaysian intellectuals on the matter.

He said it took real courage in the current climate to take a principled and critical stand against the religious authorities.

“These publishers have shown a deep commitment to intellectual freedom and the right of readers to think, question and decide for themselves. For that, I am deeply grateful.”

Kuru also believes the proposed book ban may ultimately backfire, as such censorship often piques curiosity.

“Ironically, this move may drive even more readers toward my work, especially in the Malay language.”

In March, religious authorities said it was looking to ban Kuru’s two books, citing concerns that the content contravened the Sunni creed and its ethical principles, and could mislead the public.

Farouk, who edited the two books, however denied such claims, saying instead that readers of the two books would realise that they touch on Islamic history and the root causes of underdevelopment in the Muslim world. - FMT