Reject extreme political ideologies, says Upko Youth over controversial parade

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah-based political party Upko has waded into the PAS Youth parade displaying replica weapons issue, asking the people to reject such extreme political ideologies.

"This is because they (such ideologies) can cause harm to the nation," said Upko Youth chief Felix Joseph Saang, in a statement on Wednesday (Feb 22).

"Parades that bring the imagery of knives, swords and various weapons give the impression of 'violence,' even though they are not real weapons.

"Such parades invite negative perceptions. What is their agenda and what is their motive?" he asked.

The parade in question had taken place in Setiu, Terengganu, as part of a two-day PAS Youth gathering – Himpunan Pemuda Islam Terengganu (Himpit) – that began on Friday (Feb 17).

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

Towards this end, Saang said that opposition parties should become a bloc with integrity, dignity and responsibility, adding Upko, which was a Pakatan Harapan component party, promoted a culture of open, free and transparent politics when it was in the opposition.

He added that the nation must have a strong opposition bloc to be a check and balance to the current government, besides contributing to the safety, peace and prosperity of Malaysia.

"When we (Upko) were in the opposition bloc before, we spoke out loudly and fought for the interests and rights of the people.

"We voiced concerns about the cost of living, the country's economy, basic development, corruption, the equal status of Malaya, Sabah and Sarawak, the demand for the return of Sabah’s 40% tax revenue owed by the Federal Government and so on, instead of parading with fake weapons.

"Stop the issues of race and religion as they will destroy the country. Also, stop personal attacks, this kind of politics is outdated," Saang said.

Following the controversial parade, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail criticised the way the parade was held, saying it was inappropriate and raised concerns among the public.

He said that all parties needed to be more sensitive and responsible for any elements that can cause political temperatures to rise further.