Point of contention: A screencap showing PAS Youth members marching in medieval war costumes and holding weapons and shield replicas for the gathering in Setiu, Terengganu.
PETALING JAYA: The controversial parade that saw PAS youths marching with fake weapons is currently being investigated for possible offences, says Terengganu police chief Deputy Comm Datuk Rohaimi Md Isa.
He said police were notified of the event but not of the parade of the group marching with fake weapons.
“We were not informed about the parade with replica of weapons, which has caused uneasiness and concerns among the public.
“An investigation will be carried out to identify any offences in the programme and appropriate action will be taken,” he said in a statement.
During the event, 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 was understood that the march was part of a two-day PAS youth gathering – Himpunan Pemuda Islam Terengganu (Himpit) – that began last Friday.
DCP Rohaimi said initial investigations found that 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 under the theme of clothing, weapons and Islamic heritage.
“It was participated by each district across Terengganu,” he added.
Religious Affairs Minister Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar said the march was inappropriate as it would leave a bad perception of the teachings of Islam.
“The organiser should have highlighted Islamic values that are based on peace, unity and harmony.
“Everyone is responsible for preserving peace and harmony in society. Any action that can cause public unrest should be avoided,” he added.
Mohd Na’im also said the authorities should conduct an investigation to determine 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 medieval militant costumes were also seen standing on the back of the cargo bed of pickup trucks in a convoy.
Emir Research chief executive officer Datuk Dr Rais Hussin said PAS is attempting to hijack Islam with certain political narratives and images.
He also criticised the party for misrepresenting Islam.
“As Muslims, we cannot allow this. We need to provide the true narrative of Islam,” Rais tweeted.
Terengganu PAS youth chief Mohd Harun Esa said the programme had been an annual event since 1991 and that it was an assembly of the Islamist party’s state youth machinery.
He said there were no elements of violence and provocation as it was a long tradition by the local PAS youth divisions to bring their “replicas” to the march.
“Some used the sports theme and others came with horses during this year’s Himpit.
“In fact, it was very interesting to see representatives from each division displaying their own ideas.
“Some even prepared one month ahead to participate in this programme.
“The police also assisted us in managing traffic while marches from each contingent were taking place peacefully,” he said.
Mohd Harun said the use of medieval war uniforms was part of the theme.
“This is similar to marches or cosplay competitions across the nation where they showcase their favourite hero weapons.
“Some war classics in cinema that used weapons are also accepted by society,” he added.
Save Kelantan activist Mohd Hisyamuddin Ghazali questioned the motive of the event where youth leaders were seen marching with fake weapons.
“Are we going to war? If you look at the event schedule, the programmes were focused on PAS leaders gathering,” said Hisyammuddin, also known as Syam Ghaz, on Facebook.
He also raised his concerns that the event could be unlawful.
“Holding a motor gathering is good enough. For me, PAS youth should not partake in such marches. It seems there are elements of threatening public order, even though the weapons were fake,” he added.
Another Malaysian, Alf Shahril, also questioned the motive behind Terengganu PAS youth’s “cosplay”.
“What is the benefit of this? Who are you going to war with?” Shahril tweeted.
Other activities that took place in the two-day event were sepak takraw and football matches, and motorcycle convoys were seen carrying PAS flags.
