PAKATAN Harapan’s (PH) reaction to the procession of PAS members bearing replicas of medieval weapons and armour in Terengganu recently has inadvertently planted the seeds of Islamophobia in the country, claimed PAS Dewan Ulama chief Datuk Ahmad Yahaya.
The Pokok Sena MP was referring to the militia-styled cosplay parade during the Himpunan Pemuda Islam Terengganu or “Himpit” in Setiu, Terengganu last Friday, which saw Terengganu PAS Youth members clad in medieval Islamic war costumes and armed with fake swords, spears and shields.
“The issue seems to have been exaggerated without any good reason. When examined in its entirety, this programme is merely an Islamic-heritage-themed parade,” he said in a statement yesterday via PAS mouthpiece HarakahDaily.
“There is nothing about the intention nor behaviour [of those who took part in the parade] that can be associated with any form of criminal behaviour nor were they threatening public order.
“Therefore, the usage of the costumes and replicas of medieval weapons during the parade should not be made an issue at all.”
Ahmad further expressed his disappointment that there are Muslims who influenced by this narrative.
“They were silent as the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community flooded the nation’s capital in a rally and they were also silent during the Nijigen Expo anime event which also saw people coming to the event with replicas of sharp weapons,” he pointed out.
“The question here is, why do they deliberately magnify [the Himpit] issue if it is not part of their effort to show Islam in a bad light?”
Ahmad noted that this issue seems to give the impression that any elements related to the religion is something that is “extreme and dangerous”.
“Without us realising it, the seeds of Islamophobia have sprouted in Malaysia and PH is to be blamed for this,” he remarked.
“I urge the PH leadership to refrain from issuing any statements that could have negative implications on Islam. It is unfortunate if the political hostility that knows no boundaries would end up damaging the religion especially in the eyes of the non-Muslim community.”
Earlier this week, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail slammed the parade, saying it was not only inappropriate but could create uneasiness among the public.
He explained that issues revolving around the three “Rs” – race, religion and royalty – had yet to subside after the last general election.
“Which is why we need to be more sensitive to actions that could heat up a situation,” he said in a statement, adding that such actions included “military-like displays”.
Saifuddin further pointed out that the videoclip of the parade also featured religious music that clearly stressed on war themes.
“This led to questions on whether this parade was meant to be a battle cry,” he said.
He also warned the public against actions that could cause chaos and said stern action would be taken against those who threaten the country’s harmony and security.
Meanwhile, Religious Affairs Minister Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar called the march inappropriate, saying that it would leave a bad perception on the teaching of Islam.
“The organiser should have highlighted Islamic values that are based on peace, unity and harmony. Everyone is responsible to urge peace and harmony in society. Any action that can cause public unrest should be avoided,” he remarked.
Terengganu PAS Youth has defended its parade, saying it was similar to cosplay events held annually, and emphasised that it was never intended to incite violence. – Feb 23, 2023
Main pic credit: HarakahDaily
