Himpit rally ‘insensitive’, police investigation ongoing: home minister

KUALA LUMPUR – Police have opened an investigation paper into a parade organised by Terengganu PAS Youth featuring replica medieval weapons, which has been criticised as being a display of militancy.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said police have received several reports regarding the rally named Himpunan Pemuda Islam Terengganu (Himpit) and investigations are currently ongoing.

He said this in the Dewan Rakyat in response to R.S.N. Rayer (Jelutong-PH), who expressed shock that Terengganu police chief Datuk Rohami Md Isa was aware of such an event because it is sensitive.

“Let the police department carry out this investigation in accordance with the law.

“But from a political aspect, it is insensitive to organise such an event because we are living in a multiracial country,” Saifuddin said today.

The organiser should consider the consequences and also religious sentiments before holding the event, he added.

On February 20, Saifuddin had said that the rally organised by PAS has resulted in public unease, given that several state elections are on the horizon, resulting in a tense political atmosphere.

Rohami has said that the initial investigation found that the procession that took place on February 17 was a contest by which participants were required to design Islamic attire, weapons, and heritage.

The photos and videos of what appear to be PAS members marching in 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 guerrilla fighters.

Based on videos on TikTok, the event was attended by PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang and PAS Youth chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari. – The Vibes, February 22, 2023