PETALING JAYA: The recent controversy involving PAS Youth members marching with fake weapons shouldn’t be blown out of proportion, says Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man.

The PAS deputy president said it was similar to a Chinese opera where the actors also carry swords and spears, adding that there was no issue.

“It is better for us to focus our time and energy on more meaningful things such as tackling the rising cost of living, education, and social problems,” Tuan Ibrahim was quoted as saying by a news portal.

Meanwhile, event organisers of the event are ready to cooperate with the police, said Mohd Harun Esa, who’s also Terengganu PAS Youth chief.

Speaking to The Star, Mohd Harun said he hasn’t been called up by the police for questioning.

“Not me, but maybe my friends have (been called up for questioning,” said Mohd Harun.

Earlier, Terengganu police said they were investigating a controversial parade by the state PAS Youth to determine if there were 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.

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.

PETALING JAYA: The recent controversial PAS Youth parade in Terengganu is inappropriate and raised concerns among the public, says Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.

The Home Minister said, in a statement Monday (Feb 20), that all parties needed to be more sensitive and responsible for any elements that can cause political temperatures to rise further.

“This parade with replica weapons that went viral on social media has caused concerns among the public, not to mention the rising political temperatures in several states that will face state elections soon.

“Any display or action that exhibits a warlike spirit interspersed with military-like symbols such as weapons is not only inappropriate, but will certainly invite public unrest,” said Saifuddin.

He warned all parties to stop acts that could potentially cause chaos for the people and the country.

He also said that strict action will be taken against anyone threatening the elements of order, harmony and security.

Saifuddin said any opinions or views must be carefully channelled through the provided democratic spaces and not through provocative actions.

“Malaysia is a democratic country that gives the people the right to make choices and decisions, but this cannot cross the line and threaten the harmony of the country,” he said.

Saifuddin also called upon the people to respond to the Malaysia Madani call by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim which seeks to promote elements of well-being, respect and courtesy among the people.

“Let us appreciate and understand the unity of Malaysia comprehensively,” said Saifuddin.

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.

The police are investigating the march for possible offences.

ANN

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