DAP's Ramasamy urges action over 'provocative' PAS march

DAP leader P Ramasamy has questioned the purpose of a march organised by a PAS youth wing last week, asking if the police will act against those involved and calling it a serious breach of laws on public safety and security. 

Ramasamy, the Penang deputy chief minister II, said the march which saw the participants dressed as Islamic warriors and carrying replica weapons, "resembled a platoon of armed troops going to war".

"Why is there need for such a ritual when Malaysia is a peaceful and stable country?" he said. 

"I don’t think that the recent PAS-organised 'armed march' had taken place before, not that I know of. 

"If this march was a mere repeat of a ritual, then the public might be fully aware of this."

The event in Setiu, Terengganu on Feb 17 had involved members of the Himpunan Pemuda Islam Terengganu or Himpit.

PAS leaders later defended the march, saying that it should not be blown out of proportion and comparing it to sports events or pantomine shows. 

PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man meanwhile said it was similar to a Chinese opera, where actors also carry such weapons. 

Ramasamy however said that the march "borders on belligerence" as PAS, like other parties in the country, had "only political enemies" with which to contend. 

"Was the purpose of the march to send a message to the 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 was the 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?"

In a statement, he said the march went against the constitution, adding that the "provocations of PAS" were "too many". 

"Are the police going to act against the agent provocateurs?" he asked.