I refer to the malaysiakini report Book banning - 'death knell' for academic freedom .

I note that the year 2009 will mark the 150th anniversary of the publication of The Origin of Species and the 200th anniversary of the birth of its author, Charles Darwin.

Might one hope that Malaysia will acknowledge these impending events by removing one of the world's indisputably greatest books from its banned list?

Or will Malaysia instead choose to signal its distinctive sense of the significance of these occasions by pointedly maintaining its ban upon the sale, reading and possession of what its political leadership apparently considers a dangerous and irresponsible tract?

The choice is yours, 'Malaysia Boleh'.

The writer is Emeritus Professor, Sociology and Anthropology, School of Social Sciences and International Studies, University of New South Wales, Sydney.