PETALING JAYA: PAS has defended the military-style attire of its volunteer corps, following complaints by the veterans group National Patriots Association (Patriot) over its uniforms that resembled the ceremonial "No. 1 dress" of the Armed Forces.

Online portal Malaysiakini reported that PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan had dismissed claims made by Patriot, claiming that the group had "run out of issues" to talk about.

"Generally the No. 1 dress is normal, it's just normal. Why doesn't Patriot protest the sale of the army and police uniforms at regular shops, why not ask the government to control such things?

"Behind the PAS headquarters, you can get all sorts of ranks.

"I think Patriot has run out of issues. Before this, they fought with others. There's no legal prohibition against the number one dress, every association has its own uniform," Takiyuddin was quoted as saying on Sunday (Sept 16).

Takiyuddin had also clarified that one of its Jabatan Amal volunteer corps member was an army veteran who had worn his own medals when he escorted party president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang.

The uniforms worn by PAS' volunteer corps during the party's muktamar (general assembly) on Saturday (Sept 15) drew brickbats from the veterans group who said that it was an offence under Section 140 of the Penal Code.

Section 140 states that it is a crime for anyone not in the military service to wear any garb, or carry any token, resembling those used by the military.

The offence is punishable with jail which can extend to three months, or fine which can extend to RM1,000, or both.

Patriot president Brig-Jen (Rtd) Datuk Mohamed Arshad Raji has urged the Defence Ministry and Home Ministry to take appropriate action over the incident.

Commenting on the issue, Defence Minister Mohammad Sabu said he will be holding a ministerial-level discussion to see what action can be taken next.

"We will see whether they are allowed to wear the number one dress or not," said the minister on Sunday (Sept 16).