PAS dismisses ex-servicemen’s complaints over military-like uniforms

PAS says those escorting president Abdul Hadi Awang were former soldiers who were awarded the medals on their uniforms. (Facebook pic)

KUALA NERUS: PAS today dismissed the criticism by a group of ex-servicemen over the military-like attire worn by the party’s volunteer group at its general assembly.

The Islamist party’s secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan said the uniform worn by its “Unit Amal”, which the National Patriots Association (Patriot) said was similar to the Malaysian Army No 1 Dress, was “normal”.

He then took Patriot to task for kicking up a fuss over the uniform and accused the NGO of running out of issues to raise.

He also wondered why the NGO, which comprises veterans and retired police officers, did not protest the sale of military and police attire at regular shops or demand action from the government.

“It shouldn’t be an issue.

“Legally, there is nothing to prohibit this (wearing of military garb). Every organisation has its own uniform,” he said after the closing of the PAS muktamar here.

Earlier today, Patriot said PAS’s guard of honour at its general assembly was wearing uniforms similar to military attire and urged Putrajaya to take action against the Islamist party.

Its president, Brig-Gen (Rtd) Mohamed Arshad Raji said Section 140 of the Penal Code (Act 574) stated that it is an offence for anyone not in the military service to wear any attire, or carry any token resembling those used by the military.

He also claimed that the sight of PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang inspecting a guard of honour dressed in an attire very similar to the Malaysian Army No 1 Dress and medals shocked veterans.

Takiyuddin said those who escorted the PAS president during the inspection of the guard of honour were former soldiers and wearing medals that have been awarded to them. -FMT