The Malay-language edition of the comic book "Ultraman the Ultra Power" has been banned because it contains "elements that may threaten public order," Malaysia's Home Ministry said in a statement. Another statement clarified that the ban was due to use of the term "Allah" to describe the Japanese superhero.
The move, which has drawn criticism and ridicule on the Internet, comes amid rising tensions between Muslims and Christians over the use of the word. Malaysia's highest court is currently deciding whether to grant the Catholic Church permission to appeal a lower court ruling that bans it from referring to their God as "Allah."
The ban was imposed because the character Ultraman is "an idol for children" and the use of the term Allah could "confuse" their thinking. In Friday's statement, the Home Ministry said "If the matter isn't curbed, it could damage Muslim's children faith by equating Allah with Ultraman."
| So the Ministry contends that Muslim Malaysians are not as intelligent as non-Muslim Malaysians? How odd. |
Netizens shared information about the ban on social media. "Ultraman" has been one of the top trending topics in Malaysia since Thursday evening. Even Malaysia's Youth Minister, Khairy Jamaluddin, tweeted, "What's Ultraman's fault?"
Anyone found guilty of producing or distributing the comic book could face jail time of up to three years or a fine not exceeding $6,146 or both.
| Once again showing themselves to be skinless people in a sandpaper world. |
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