COMMENT | I am baffled that how a book "Breaking the Silence: Voices of Moderation" authored by G25, a group consisting of former civil servants and academics can be a major cause of concern to the authorities in the country.

The government in power should be rightfully concerned about so many issues affecting society, but yet finds the time to ban this book on the grounds that the contents could affect public safety and security.

The government is fully aware in this age of internet and powerful social media, a ban on the book might actually trigger opposite reaction. In other words, the ban might trigger much interest in the book and individuals and organisations would be scrambling to buy copies of the book even if they are not available in the country.

I also understand you can purchase copies through Google and other avenues available in the social media. So, why is the ban, if the ban might not have the intended effect of stopping the sale and distribution of the book in the country?

I am sure that the government is not stupid and in this age of information technology with the widespread use of social media, even if books are banned in particular national setting, there is the possibility of purchasing copies of the book through online book stores. In fact, anyone can download copies of the book from the Internet itself. So, in this respect, the government ban might not have the desired impact.