Putrajaya PAS compares Terengganu march with cosplay event

Putrajaya PAS has hit out at the authorities for probing a party event in Terengganu which saw some participants clad in war costumes.

Taking to Facebook, Putrajaya PAS likened the event in Terengganu to the Nijigen Expo anime event which took place at Stadium Bukit Jalil over the weekend.

As illustrations, Putrajaya PAS uploaded photos of individuals dressed as characters from Chainsaw Man, Naruto and One Piece, among others - all brandishing toy weapons.

"The Terengganu Muslim Youth Gathering procession is said to be outdated, a threat and is investigated by the police.

"The Nijigen Expo is said to be modern, not a threat and does not need to be investigated.

"Madani," wrote Putrajaya PAS.

Last Friday, the procession in Setiu, Terengganu, featured dozens of participants in costumes fashioned after medieval Middle Eastern warriors.

PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said the event should not be an issue and likened the costumes to that of Chinese opera.

However, 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 are peaceful, and promote unity and wellbeing," he said.

DIY props

Meanwhile, PAS central committee member and Temerloh MP Nasrudin Hassan described criticism against the march as a form of Islamophobia.

He said that marches with weapons are common in Malaysia, citing the National Day parade and other official functions.

"There are cultural and religious events in the country where traditional weapons are used.

"The Mat Kilau film saw many exhibiting the keris on their belts - not only at official functions but it has become a daily trend based on the Malay spirit.

"At supermarkets, restaurants and everywhere - the keris is with them. They are proud to be displaying old Malay warrior (artefacts)," he said.

Nasrudin Hassan

Nasrudin said that the participants at the march were only wearing DIY props made out of wood, yet they are greeted with animosity.

"I believe it is an issue only because it had an Islamic theme. If others do it, perhaps they will be praised for doing something of interest or displaying their tradition," he said. - Mkini