A procession of PAS members bearing replicas of medieval weapons and armour in Terengganu has caused a stir on social media, amid continued political tensions in the country.
Several PAS leaders have come out to defend the march, likening it to theatre or cosplay events - but police are initiating a probe after the event caused "public distress".
The march was part of the Himpunan Pemuda Islam Terengganu (Himpit) event organised by PAS in Setiu, Terengganu on Friday.
PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said the issue should not be blown out of proportion.
"It is similar to a Chinese opera where the actors also carry swords and spears.
"There is no issue here. 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," he told New Straits Times.
Meanwhile, Terengganu PAS Youth chief Harun Esa said the Himpit event had been held since 1991, and that it had become a tradition for the eight PAS Youth divisions in the state to march with replicas and themes.
He also clarified that only one division was decked out as warriors, while others had a sports theme, while another division reportedly carried an oil rig replica - a seeming reference to Terengganu's long struggle to get oil royalties.
Commenting further, he added that the donning of historical regalia or carrying replicas of weapons is not unusual.
"It is the same as marches and cosplay contests which are held all over the country, displaying the weapons of their favourite heroes," Harun said in a Facebook post today.
He also said there was no intent to provoke anyone.
Meanwhile, Terengganu police chief Rohaimi Md Isa in a statement today, said the police had been made aware that there would be a contest during the Himpit event where traditional Islamic weapons would be on display.
"However, police were not informed about the march carrying the replica weapons which has caused ill-feeling and unease among some in the society," he said.
Rohaimi added that police are carrying out investigations to determine what offences had been committed.
The incident comes three months after the 15th general election, during which PAS campaigners had ridden on horseback in Penang while bearing Islamic flags that drew a comparison to the Taliban.
In the aftermath of the polls, threats of another May 13 racial riot also went viral on Tiktok - some of which had been paid for.
Commenting on the latest incident, de facto Religious Affairs Minister Na'im Mokhtar said marching while bearing replica weapons was unwise and could lead to misunderstanding.
"It can give a bad image to Islam and the country. It would be better for the organisers to highlight the good values of Islam which is peaceful, and promotes unity and wellbeing," he said.
He added that everyone should play a role in fostering peace and harmony, and that any actions that cause public unrest should be avoided entirely.
Separately, MCA vice-president Ti Lian Ker said the march went against Malaysian values.
"Ours is a culture of tolerance, peace, and harmony.
"Ours is also a political culture of consensus building and not confrontational or resorting to warlike posturing.
"This has to stop and be stopped," he was quoted as saying by Sinar Daily. - Mkini
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