As reported by BBC (2012), a book named ‘Where did I come from’ has been banned by the Malaysia Government recently. The book, authored by Peter Mayle first publishes as an educational reading in 1984. The content of the book narrates about a love story of a couple who have had intimacy and becoming parents of their newborn-baby (Malaysian Insider, 2012).
However, Datuk Muhd Khairun Aseh asserted that the level of obscenity in the book has gone beyond the extent of an educational book (The Star, 2012). And for this reason, on February 2012, Malaysian Government has call upon all bookstores to pull back the book.
After the banned was announced, this issue of ‘sex education’ had drawn attention among the public. In extent to this issue, I personally think that the book have its forbidding content which leads to the Government decision. As such, Malaysia is a multi-racial country (Daniels, 2005, p. 252), and that the implication on obscenity vary depending on religion and ethnic groups (Halstead, Reiss and Reiss, p. 4). On the other hand, as to cater to the sensitivities of certain public, the government could possibly produce a local version of sex educational book. Seemingly, the book by Peter Mayle has its educational value, which also teaches the young ones about the knowledge of sex.
With the advance technology in this 21st century, young children are highly exposed to the subject of sex through internet or even television (NST, 2012). According to Ampikaipakan (New Straits Times, 2012), there are plenty of news on television about raping and busing, and it has already exposes children to sex. Hence, it is a need for the younger generation to be educated with the right perspective of sex. In truth, a book which aims to educate children on sex would provide knowledge on what is right and wrong and it would be a solution of being ignorant.
In conclusion, I would enhance and look forward to a day where Malaysian Government would allow educational book about sex, which I believe it will help to deliver the right prospect of the implication and value of sex.
(355 words)
References:
Ahmad, Z, A & Rahim, R 2012, ‘Home Ministry stops sale of ‘Where Did I Come From’ book by Peter Mayle’, The Star, 21 February, viewed 11 June 2012, <http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2012/2/21/nation/20120221175525&sec=nation>.
Ampikaipakan, U 2012, ‘Kids will ask, where did I come from?’, New Straits Times, 28 February, viewed 11 June 2012, <http://www.nst.com.my/opinion/columnist/kids-will-ask-where-did-i-come-from-1.52753>.
Chong, D 2012, ‘Home Ministry shelves children’s book on sex education’, Malaysian Insider, 21 February, viewed 11 June 2012, <http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/litee/malaysia/article/home-ministry-shelves-childrens-book-on-sex-education/>.
Daniels, TP 2005, Building Cultural Nationalism in Malaysia: Identity, Representation, and Citizenship, Routledge, New York
Malaysia ‘bans Peter Mayle book Where did I come from? 2012, BBC News UK, United Kingdom, viewed 11 June 2012, <http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-17112635>.
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