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.
ALSO READ: Pictures of 'armed' Terengganu PAS youths causing concern among Malaysians
“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.
ALSO READ: Terengganu police investigating state PAS Youth’s controversial parade
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.
