Use of the word Allah behind Ultraman book ban
Munirah A Sani
Mac 7, 2014 13:54 MYT
Mac 7, 2014 13:54 MYT
The translated version of the “Ultraman The Ultra Power” comic , which likened the superhero character to “Allah”, is believed to be the reason behind its ban by the Home Ministry.
Since news of the ban was published on Bernama, the images of the comic had been widely circulated in several social media websites and blogs.
The original sentence was: "In the 2009 film Mega Monster Battle: Ultra Galaxy Legend The Movie, he is considered to be, and respected as, the "God" or Elder of all Ultra heroes."
It was then translated to: "Dalam 2009 filem Mega Monster Battle: Ultra Galaxy Legend The Movie, dia dianggap sebagai, dan dihormati sebagai, "Allah" atau Elder semua wira Ultra."
Translating the original text using online translation service Google Translate, produced the same results as the translation provided by the comic.
The comic was published by Resign Publications and printed by Network Printers.
On Thursday, Bernama reported that the ministry had banned the comic as it contained elements that could jeopardise public order.
A ministry statement said the prohibition gazette, effective Feb 18, was made under Section 7(1) of the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984.
“It is an offence under subsection 2 of Section 8 of the Printing Pres¬ses and Publica¬tions Act 1984 for any person to print, import, produce, reproduce, publish, sell, distribute or possess the prohibited publication for any purpose.”
The statement added that those convicted of such an offence would be liable to a jail term not exceeding three years or a fine not exceeding RM20,000 or both.
Bernama did not report the reason behind the ministry’s decision to ban the publication.
The report quickly received much comment on cyberspace with many voicing their anger and disbelief.
International Islamic University Malaysia senior lecturer Dr. Zaharuddin Abd Rahman however agreed with the move despite it being ridiculed by the public.
There were those that agreed the reason behind the ban was due to the usage of the word Allah.