We knew about Himpit cosplay rally, but not weapons: T’ganu police

JOHOR BARU – Police in Terengganu were aware of the controversial Himpunan Pemuda Islam Terengganu (Himpit) rally, but were not informed that some individuals would be marching with replicas of weapons. 

According to Terengganu police chief Datuk Rohami Md Isa, initial investigations revealed that the event took place on February 17 at a resort in Setiu, Terengganu. 

“The march was one of the events organised in conjunction with the programme, which included cosplay themed with clothes and weapons of Islamic heritage. 

“It received participation from all districts in Terengganu,” Rohaimi said in a statement today. 

He said police are aware that the rally has resulted in public discomfort, adding that investigations are underway to determine if any offences were committed during the rally before taking any action. 

“Although police were aware of the programme, we were not informed that the march would see participants with replicas of weapons,” Rohaimi added. 

Meanwhile, despite courting controversy for the rally, PAS has chosen to defend the participants seen cosplaying as warriors with weapons. 

The New Straits Times, quoting PAS deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man, was reported as saying that the matter should not be blown out of proportion and the party should not be depicted as militants. 

Tuan Ibrahim drew parallels between the Himpit rally and Chinese opera, where performers sometimes also carry swords and spears.

He also accused critics of exploiting the matter, stating that negative comments on PAS are being made to avoid discussing serious issues at hand.

The photos and videos of what appear to be PAS members marching on the streets armed with swords, shields, and body armour, as well as bows and arrows, have since made their rounds on social media. 

A TikTok video by user @ryzz_official shows the words “Mujahidin Marang” in front of two men dressed in medieval-style warrior armour, one carrying a shield and the other a bow. 

Mujahidin is a term sometimes used to describe guerilla fighters. – The Vibes, February 19, 2023