'Don't be scared, Pas is not an extremist party'

KUALA NERUS - "Pas has never triggered provocation, riots or any law violation despite losing the election," said Terengganu Pas assistant secretary-general Hanafiah Mat.

He said Pas was not an extreme and violent party, and there was no need to be feared by any party as Pas never raised racial and religious sentiments in this country.

He said the issue about the replica weapons carried by Pas youth members during the Himpunan Pemuda Islam Terengganu (Himpit) 2023 programme in Setiu recently.

"The issue of Terengganu Pas marching with armed replicas is not suitable to be politicised as it was only part of the programme's competition.

"The parade is not a new thing since it has been organised for the past 10 years and there has never been an issue.

"It is merely a competition with clothing, weapons, and Islamic heritage themes. The participation also didn't bring sharp weapons since it was all replicas," he said when met by reporters after launching the Terengganu Hijab Day at the Al Wathiqu Billah City Complex Administration building here today.

Hanafiah, who is also a Terengganu Welfare, Women Development, Family, and National Unity exco member, said he believed the issue was raised by an 'invinsible hand' in order to paint a bad image of the party.

"There is an 'invinsible hand' has been spreading the issue to give the impression that there is a movement to overthrow the government; that is absolutely false.

"Pas has never started any riots. We went back to work after losing the election. We obeyed the conditions set by the government.

"There is no need to be scared of Pas since we have been fighting for Islam for almost 60 years. We add colour to the political scene in the country," he stressed.

However, Hanafiah said Pas leaders were ready to cooperate with the police on investigating the matter.

"We are ready to be called for investigation. This issue does not affect the party's preparation for the upcoming state election (PRN).

"We are confident this green wave will continue until PRN, which will take place some time in June or July, and I am confident this 'green wave' will conquer the six states," he said.

Hanafiah hoped the political provocation would stop immediately to give attention to the main focus, which is the people's welfare.

Yesterday, a video of a group of men marching while carrying weapon replicas during the Himpit programme went viral on social media.

In addition to that, there was also a giant sword replica on a four-wheel-drive vehicle, which was understood to be one of the tools for the competition.