KUALA LUMPUR: Novelist Faisal Tehrani is challenging the Home Ministry ban of his four novels for allegedly spreading Syiah teachings.
The author, whose real name is Mohd Faizal Musa, filed on June 29 the judicial review application to set aside the ban dated Feb 12 and gazetted on April 1.
The Home Ministry ban is against the following books: novels Sebongkah Batu di Kuala Berang and Karbala; short story collection Tiga Kali Seminggu; and poetry collection Ingin Jadi Nasrallah.
Faizal is seeking a court order to quash the ban, and declaration that it violated his fundamental right to equal treatment under the law, and freedom of speech and expression.
He seeks a court order that the ban is null and void because it contravenes Section 7 of the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984, which empowers the home minister to issue such ban on grounds of national security.
Faizal is also seeks general damages, cost, and any other relief deemed fit by the court.
During case management of the legal action today, the High Court registry set Jan 28 for mention.
Counsel Nursyakeera Idora Ahmad Affandi acted for Faizal, while senior federal counsel Shamsul Bolhassan appeared for the home minister, who is the respondent in the judicial review.