WHAT is the religious or social significance of the march by PAS “warriors” on Saturday (Feb 18)?
In the march organised by the Terengganu PAS’ Youth wing which was part of the Himpunan Pemuda Islam Terengganu (HIMPIT) gathering, the marchers or “warriors” donned white robes with green balaclava, hooded helmets and carried replica weapons in the likes of swords, spears and shields.
Without a closer examination, one would of thought that the scene took place outside the country, particularly in a place that has no law and order.
Shockingly it took place in a place called Setiu in the state of Terengganu, Malaysia which is reputed to be a PAS stronghold.
Whether the PAS leadership was fully aware of the “armed march” is not clear.
If they had not known, then why the need to mindlessly defend the march as though the youth wing was going to a war – perhaps a religious war.
PAS leaders were quick to come to the defence of the march, saying that it was like any sporting event that was commonly held in places like Kelantan and Terengganu.
One national leader went to the extent of saying that the march was akin to the Chinese Opera House.
Even though PAS leaders are so used to lambast the Chinese community, but this time around they looked to an event in the Chinese community to defend their cause.
I don’t think that the recent PAS-organised “armed march” had taken place before; not that I know of.
If this march was mere repeat of a ritual, then the public might be fully aware of this.
Truth must prevail
PAS cannot wiggle out of lies and half-truths. The truth must prevail.
The infamous PAS march of “warriors” resembled a platoon of armed troops going to war. Why is there a need for such a ritual when Malaysia is peaceful and stable country?
Are the PAS leaders asking their followers to be prepared for the worst, including the physical defence or offence?
If Malaysia is a lawless country with an on-going civil war, such a march might have a meaning.
But why organise a march that borders on belligerence when PAS like other political parties has only political enemies to contend with.
Is the PAS leadership reminding its followers that bigger war is in the offing?
Was the purpose of the march to send a message to enemies of Islam that the struggle of PAS is not merely parliamentary but might take a more hostile form under particular circumstances?
If not, what this whole point of the armed march of the Islamic “warriors”? Is there a message of warning to others, particularly those who are considered enemies of Islam?
The police might not want to take lightly such an uncalled for armed march. The explanations provided by PAS leaders are unacceptable. They are merely providing lame excuses for the provocative and uncalled for march.
Some have said that the recent march of PAS “warriors” resembles those of the fascist and racist Ku Klux Klan (KKK), a notorious organisation that threatened the expulsion of blacks and Jews from the US.
If the march of the PAS “warriors” had a political motive, what was the motive then?
The armed march by the PAS “warriors” is a serious breach of the laws on public safety and security. It goes against the Federal Constitution of the country that lays the basis of the form of government.
The provocations of PAS are too many. Is the police going to act against the agent provocateurs? – Feb 20, 2023
Prof Ramasamy Palanisamy is the state assemblyperson for Perai. He is also Deputy Chief Minister II of Penang.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
