PETALING JAYA: The Home Ministry's Quran Publication Control and Text Division has recommended that the book Malaysian Maverick: Mahathir Mohamad in Turbulent Times be disallowed into the country.

A source from the ministry told The Malay Mail yesterday that the division had found the book by veteran Australian journalist Barry Wain to have content that was not only erroneous but also damaging to former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamed.

The division had submitted its recommendation to Deputy Minister Datuk Abu Seman Yusop on Tuesday.

However, he could not be contacted at Press time.

On Dec 24, it was reported that the book on Dr Mahathir  was withheld by the Port Klang branch of the Home Ministry's Quran Publication Control and Text Division.

It was also reported the former premier wanted the book to be released and said that he did not need any protection.

The book takes a critical look at how Dr Mahathir led Malaysia as prime minister from 1981 to 2003. The book
credits the former premier with Malaysia’s economic  growth but also blames him for losses of RM100 billion during his tenure.

This led to DAP veteran leader Lim Kit Siang calling on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak to set up a Royal Commission of Inquiry to investigate Dr Mahathir over allegations in the book.

In his blog, Dr Mahathir welcomed the suggestion saying that the commission should not be confined to one prime minister alone but should also look into Tun Abdullah Badawi’s tenure as prime minister.