Islamic party in Malaysia under probe after members stage march with fake swords, spears and shields

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian police are investigating an incident during which Parti Islam Se-Malaysia’s (PAS) youth wing members in Terengganu staged a march with fake swords, spears and shields.

According to Terengganu police chief Rohaimi Md Isa, initial investigations showed that the event took place on Friday (Feb 17) at a resort in Setiu, Terengganu.

“Police will carry out an investigation to identify any offences in the programme and appropriate action will be taken,” he said in a statement on Monday. 

Mr Rohaimi, however, said that the police were not informed about the march involving replicas of weapons, though they were notified of the event earlier.  

“We were not informed about the march with replicas of weapons, which has caused uneasiness and concern among the public,” he said.

Several photos and videos of a group of men clad in medieval Islamic war attire staging a march with fake swords, spears and shields were seen on social media with PAS flags in the background.

The march was part of a two-day PAS youth wing gathering, known as Himpunan Pemuda Islam Terengganu (HIMPIT), or Terengganu Muslim Youth Gathering. 

Mr Rohaimi added that the march, which was attended by party members from various districts in the state, was part of a design competition involving the theme of clothing, weapons and Islamic heritage. 

STRICT ACTION AGAINST ACTS THAT CREATE DISHARMONY: HOME MINISTER

In a statement on Monday, Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail condemned the march and urged all parties to stop acts that have the potential to create chaos for the people and the country.

“Strict action will be taken against any element that threatens the order, harmony and security of the people,” he said. 

Mr Saifuddin added that the incident has resulted in public nuisance amid escalating political climate in states that will be holding local elections in the coming months. 

“So, of course, any action that displays and expresses enthusiasm interspersed with any symbol in the form of weapons or 'military' is very inappropriate and will certainly invite public unrest,” he said.

He also questioned the intention of the march which was uploaded to social media with an Arabic song in the background emphasising the theme of war. 

“This invites the question of whether this parade meant to inject the spirit of war,” said Mr Saifuddin.

On Sunday, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Mohamed Na'im Mokhtar called the march inappropriate, adding that it can give a bad image to Islam and Malaysia. 

“It is better for the organisers to highlight Islamic values that are peaceful and that invite unity and prosperity.

“All parties are responsible to call for peace and harmony in the society. Any action that can incite public unrest should be avoided altogether,” said Dr Na’im in a statement. 

He added that the department is of the view that the matter should be handed over to the authorities for investigation as well as any other necessary action if it is found that the organiser has violated national security rules. 

In justifying the event, Terengganu PAS Youth Chief Harun Esa likened it to other “cosplay” events. 

“The issue of donning warrior uniforms used during ancient times by one of the contingents was just part of fulfilling their parade theme. 

“(The event is) just like parades and ‘cosplay’ contests held across the country which show their favourite superhero weapons,” he said in a Facebook post on Sunday. 

He elaborated that it has become a tradition for the eight PAS youth groups in the state to have their own parade themes and relevant replicas. The march has been held annually since 1991. 

“We are also ready to cooperate with the investigation if required by the authorities, although it seems quite illogical actually,” said Mr Harun.