KUALA LUMPUR: Bersatu Youth chief Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal has downplayed the uproar following the military-like parade by Terengganu PAS Youth, calling it an “overreaction”.
Wan Fayhsal likened the parade to a cosplay event, a dramatisation “to show the historical narrative of Islam in the past”.
“I think this is an overreaction by the public, especially, sorry to say, the non-Malays and non-Muslims,” he told reporters outside the Kuala Lumpur court complex today.
While admitting that he could not speak on behalf of PAS, he said he was confident the Islamic party was not aggressive or “sending wrong messages about Islam”.
“This misunderstanding should be nipped in the bud, and the media should allow PAS members to explain to the public thoroughly.
“I think they (PAS) have explained, justified (the parade), pretty much,” he said.
Asked if Bersatu supported the parade, Wan Fayhsal said there were larger issues at hand, such as the rising cost of living and corruption.
Yesterday, home minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail slammed the military-like parade, saying it was not only inappropriate but could create uneasiness among the public.
He said issues revolving around the three “Rs” – race, religion and royalty – had yet to subside after the last general election.
Saifuddin said the video clip of the parade also featured religious music that clearly stressed on war themes, leading to questions on whether it was meant to be a battle cry.
He warned the public against action that could cause chaos, and said action would be taken against those who threaten the country’s harmony and security.
A parade featuring members from PAS’ Youth wing in Setiu, Terengganu, on Feb 17 saw the group marching with replicas of swords, spears and shields.
It was part of a two-day party gathering known as Himpunan Pemuda Islam Terengganu (Himpit).
It led to religious affairs minister Na’im Mokhtar saying the warlike posturing could give a wrong impression of Islam.
Pakatan Harapan and MCA had criticised the parade.
The organisers defended the march, saying it was similar to cosplay events held annually, and emphasised that it was never intended to incite violence. - FMT
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