Political books that are usually hawked in the thousands at PWTC during the annual Umno general assemblies, are nowhere to be found this year.

It was a departure from Dr Mahathir Mohamad's era where literally tons of books were sold at each Umno assembly, said one author who was barred from selling his books.

Political observer and author Syed Husein Alattas claimed that authors are no longer permitted to openly sell or distribute political books at the premises of PWTC.

"I was warned by the police and PWTC authorities that I am not to distribute any political books. When enquired as to the reason, they did not reply," said Syed Husein.

"This has never happened during Dr Mahathir's time when we were free to sell books, even those that criticised him. In fact, I personally present my works to him at each general assembly," he told malaysiakini at PWTC today.

Syed Husein has written some 50 books since 1960, most of which were political commentaries.

The veteran author questioned the fear of political books when they can provide information to those who closely follow politics in the country.

"Why are newspapers allowed to be sold at the PWTC premises, whereas books are banned," he added.

Why the fear?

Syed said that selling books is not the same a selling drugs and that there was nothing to be fearful of.

"The government said there is more freedom to express, but what is happening is the opposite. I am harassed and warned from selling books," he said.

Meanwhile, members of the public that were met at the assembly expressed their disappointment, as they came not just to follow the debate but also to buy several political books.

Masidi Abdul Rahman said, "Usually at the Umno general assembly there are many 'hot' books to be found, although the books are quite expensive."

"This year the books are nowhere to be found. The assembly is less exciting," he said.

Book on Khairy

However, one book which found its way to the meeting venue is a political title on Umno Youth deputy chief Khairy Jamaluddin.

The book, titled Hikayat Khairy Khairy Jamaluddin: Putera Oxford ke Putrajaya was given out free at the Umno general assembly yesterday.

The 253-page book is the Malay version of the Khairy Chronicles posted in the Malaysia-Today online news portal.

Meanwhile, the book has an English version, which is titled Khairy Jamaluddin: Rasputin or Boy Genius?

Khairy, the son-in-law of the prime minister, however brushed aside the book by saying that it contained lies.

"The central character in the book has the same name as me. The photograph on the cover strikingly resembles me," he was quoted in the Star today.

Author Raja Petra Kamaruddin, when contacted by malaysiakini, denied that he was the man behind the free distribution of the book at the Umno assembly.