Why Were PAS Members Giving Hadi Guard Of Honour Dressed In Army-Like Uniforms?
Veterans group Persatuan Patriot Kebangsaan (Patriot) wants to know.
By Sadho Ram — 16 Sep 2018, 01:50 PM
The sight of PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang inspecting a guard of honour from members of the Islamist party's volunteer corps, Jabatan Amal, dressed in uniforms resembling those of the army made Persatuan Patriot Kebangsaan (Patriot) to question the move
According to the security forces veterans' group, the incident, which took place on Saturday, is an offence under Section 140 of the Penal Code.
"Section 140 of the Penal Code (Act 574) states that it is an offence for anyone not in the military service to wear any garb or carry any token resembling garb used by the military," Patriot president Mohamed Arshad Raji said in a statement today.
The retired Brig-Gen slammed PAS for its uniforms similar to the Malaysian Army's "Number 1" dress, calling it a mockery to a very dignified military tradition.
Under Section 140, the offence is punishable by a jail term which can extend to three months or a fine which can extend to RM1,000, or both.
The event by PAS is shocking for veterans as the "Number 1" Dress is won during ceremonial events or on very important occasions
"The sight of Hadi inspecting a guard of honour dressed in uniforms very similar to the Malaysian Army Number 1 dress and medals has sent shock and disbelief among veterans.
"The guard of honour in the military and the police, performed in full ceremonial dress, is usually performed as a mark of respect for members of the royalty, prime minister, deputy prime minister, the defence minister, and generals.
"It is a serious matter and not to be indiscriminately used by any organisation so as to make a mockery of this very dignified military tradition," Mohamed Arshad said.
The Patriot president added that the Malaysian Armed Forces should jealously guard the traditions of the military
"It should be guarding against their uniforms being abused by others who are not entitled to wear it," Mohamed Arshad said in the statement.
"For this incident of the guard of honour by PAS members in lookalike Malaysian Army Number 1 dress, Patriot would expect the armed forces chief or the personnel staff chief to be the first to speak up.
"The honour, integrity and traditions of the military and the police must be upheld.
"It is high time to put a stop to those non-military individuals and organisations wearing military uniforms or lookalike military uniforms, as well as military ranks."
The group has now urged the government to act on the incident
"Before things get further out of control, Patriot urges the Defence Ministry and Home Ministry to take appropriate action," the statement by Patriot read.
