Did cops allow Taliban-like march in T'ganu, asks lawyer
SYDI ALIF19 Feb 2023 05:30pm
Pas members matching with swords and spears in Terengganu
Norman Fernandez said any parade needs a police permit and the organisers should comply with any conditions imposed.
Looking at the video clip that has now gone viral, he said the participants resemble the Taliban marching into Kabul while the 'sword' on the truck seemed similar to what the Islamic State had.
"First of all, the question that needs to be asked is whether the Terengganu Pas Youth parade carrying weapons at its programme on Feb 17 had been approved by the Pas division and also obtained police permit," he told Sinar Daily.
Fernandez said carrying spears and other weapons without a permit is an offence under the Corrosive, Explosive Substances and Dangerous Weapons Act 1958.
If convicted according to Section 7(1)(a) of the Corrosive Substances, Explosives and Dangerous Weapons Act 1958, he said offenders can be sentenced to prison for no less than five or not more than 10 years.
"If someone else had done the same, they would definitely be reported to the police and condemned.
"There is no need to hold a Taliban or Islamic State-like parade that has elements that threaten the public's peace," he said.
A giant sword replica used in the march.
He further pointed that as a result, the public especially non-Muslims may end up adopting a view that Pas is bringing in a culture similar to the Taliban or Islamic State into the country.
"This is not the culture of Malays or Muslims in Malaysia.
"I really hope the police will investigate it and take action. Do not allow parades like this even with mock weapons to become a new culture." he urged the authorities.
It is understood that the march took place on Friday in Setiu, Terengganu, at the beginning of the two-day Pas Youth gathering known as Himpunan Pemuda Islam Terengganu (Himpit).
Terengganu police chief Datuk Rohaimi Md Isa fhas so far said they are looking into the matter.
