THE sight of PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang inspecting a “guard of honour” dressed in uniforms similar to that of the Malaysian Army Number 1 has irked the National Patriot Association (Patriot).

In a statement today, the army veterans’ group’s president Brig Gen (Rtd) Mohamed Arshad Raji called on the Defence and Home Ministries to act against the incident before “things get out of control”.

“It has sent shock and disbelief among the veterans,” the former officer said.

“Before things get further out of control, Patriot urges the Defence and Home Affairs Ministries to take appropriate action,” he added.

According to Arshad, the incident took place yesterday at the Islamic party’s muktamar in Kuala Terengganu.

Arshad said that under Section 140 of the Penal Code, it was an offence for anyone not in the military to wear any garb or carry any token resembling any garb used by the military.

“The Number 1 Dress of the military is usually worn during ceremonial events or on very important occasions.

“The guard of honour in the military and the police, performed in full ceremonial dress, is usually performed as a mark of respect for royalty, the prime minister, deputy prime minister, defence minister and generals,” Arshad said.

Arshad said that he had expected the armed forces chief or chief of personnel staff to be the first to speak up against the incident.

“The Malaysian Armed Forces should jealously guard the traditions of the military. It should be guarding against their uniforms being abused by others not entitled to wear (them).

“The honour, integrity and traditions of the military and the police must be upheld. Therefore, it is high time to put a stop to non-military organisations wearing military uniforms as well as military ranks,” he said. – September 16, 2018.