Singapore publisher Marshall Cavendish Education has apologized for any misunderstanding caused to readers after its Chinese-language children’s book Who Wins? was removed from all of the country’s libraries due to a complaint about racist content.
“We have decided to cease the sale and distribution of this series and recall the books from retail stores,” the publisher said in a statement to CNA. The book features a bully named Mao Mao who is described as “dark-skinned with a head of oily curls.”
Marshall Cavendish Education said it wants to reassure readers that there is no intention from the publisher to “produce content that promotes discrimination in any way.”
“We appreciate the feedback from some public members who have highlighted their perspectives,” it added. “The books we publish cater to an all-inclusive society where diversity is respected and celebrated, and our team is dedicated and committed to that cause.”
