PETALING JAYA: A lawyer attached to paramilitary civil volunteer corps Rela has dismissed the complaints of a veterans group over the uniform worn by a guard of honour presented by PAS at its general assembly this week, calling the matter a non-issue.
Michael Wong, who is Rela’s legal adviser, said there was nothing wrong with PAS’ volunteer group or Unit Amal wearing a uniform similar to the Malaysian Army No 1 Dress usually worn during ceremonial events or on important occasions.
He questioned the National Patriots Association’s (Patriot) claim that it was an offence for anyone not in the military service to wear attire or carry a token resembling those used by the military.
“How can Patriot define the first uniform as meant only for army and police officers?
“In my opinion, there is no issue with the first uniform unless it looks similar to the uniform of the armed forces or the police, or it was intentionally copied from those designs,” he told FMT.
Wong also said that individuals who were given official titles were allowed to wear them on first uniforms.
“Whether it is a Datukship from the palace or medals from the army or police, we can wear them during official events,” he said.
Patriot president Brig-Gen (Rtd) Mohamed Arshad Raji had called on Putrajaya to take action against the Islamist party under Section 140 of the Penal Code or Act 574.
Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu said his ministry would investigate Patriot’s claim.
PAS’ lawyer and secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan also dismissed Patriot’s criticism.
He said wearing the first uniform was normal, and asked why the veterans group did not protest the sale of military or police attire at regular shops or demand action from the government.
This is the first time that PAS’ Unit Amal members have worn the first uniform for the party’s general assembly. In previous years, they wore a maroon uniform with black trousers. - FMT
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