Terengganu police investigating state PAS Youth’s controversial parade

PETALING JAYA: Terengganu police are investigating a controversial parade by the state PAS Youth to determine if there are any offences committed.

Its police chief DCP Datuk Rohaimi Md Isa said although the organisers informed the police regarding its march, however, supporters were seen carrying fake weapons.

“Even though the police knew about the programme, we weren’t informed about its weapons replica parade, which has caused uneasiness and concerns in certain groups.

“The police will conduct preliminary investigations to identify offences in the programme and appropriate action will be taken,” said DCP Rohaimi in a statement on Sunday (Feb 19) evening.

Terengganu PAS Youth members were seen on social media pictures clad in medieval Islamic war costumes and armed with fake swords, spears and shields.

It is understood that the march was part of a two-day PAS Youth gathering “Himpunan Pemuda Islam Terengganu” (Himpit) that began on Friday (Feb 17).

DCP Rohaimi said based on early investigations, the event took place at a resort in Setiu, Terengganu.

He also said the event was based on a programme that was a design competition based on the theme of clothing, weapons and Islam heritage.

“It was participated by each district across Terengganu,” added DCP Rohaimi.

Religious Affairs Minister Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar said the march was inappropriate, as it would leave a bad perception on the teaching of Islam.

“The organiser should have highlighted Islamic values that are based on peace, unity and harmony.

“Everyone is responsible to urge peace and harmony in society. Any action that can cause public unrest should be avoided,” said Mohd Na’im.

Mohd Na’im also said the authorities should investigate to see if any laws had been broken.

In several pictures on social media, a pickup truck that carried a giant fake sword on its cargo-bed was also seen.

Youths, clad in green-themed medieval militant costumes, were also seen standing on the back of the cargo-bed of a moving pickup truck.