KUALA LUMPUR – The controversial Himpunan Pemuda Islam Terengganu rally, which saw youths carrying fake swords, spears, and shields, and using Islamic religious symbols, has caused various reactions and uneasiness among the public, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Mohd Na’im Mokhtar.
He was reported by Bernama as saying that the procession was inappropriate and gives a bad image of Islam and the country.
“It is better for the organiser to highlight Islamic values that are peaceful and call for unity and well-being,” he said in a statement today.
Earlier, videos and photos of the procession believed to be held in a resort area in Setiu, Terengganu on Friday went viral on social media.
Na’im said all quarters were responsible for efforts to nurture peace and harmony in society, adding that acts that cause uneasiness among the public should be avoided at all costs.
“The Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) is of the view that this matter should be left to the authorities to investigate and take action against the organiser if they have violated national security regulations,” he said.
Terengganu police chief Datuk Rohaimi Md Isa has been quoted as saying that police would investigate the procession to identify the violations and take necessary action.
He said the initial investigation found that the procession that occurred on February 17 was a contest where participants were required to design Islamic attire, weapons, and heritage.
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
