Weekend change best decision for Johoreans, MB says
Johor Menteri Besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi has called for an end to speculations and politically motivated statements surrounding a recent decision to revert to a Saturday-Sunday weekend starting Jan 1.
Responding to Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim’s latest decree, Onn said the state government believes that not all matters should be politicised.
“All decisions made are in the best interest of the state and...
Johor Menteri Besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi has called for an end to speculations and politically motivated statements surrounding a recent decision to revert to a Saturday-Sunday weekend starting Jan 1.
Responding to Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim’s latest decree, Onn (above) said the state government believes that not all matters should be politicised.
“All decisions made are in the best interest of the state and Johoreans overall,” he said.
Commenting further, Onn said the state has received advice from religious authorities who reassured there’s no compromise to Islam’s sanctity when the change is implemented next year.
Citing a verse from the Quran, Onn reminded that Muslims are ordered to prioritise Friday prayers over other worldly affairs, but once done, to continue with their daily activities including work.
“Insya-Allah without setting aside the importance of Friday prayers, the state government is confident this decision will benefit Johoreans, whereby they will have more quality time with family and ease planning of weekend activities.
“I hope no parties will continue to create speculations, and statements and turn them into political fodder that can strain the situation and cause disharmony in Johor,” he stressed.
Yesterday, Tunku Ismail reiterated his reasons behind the change and told those who are not pleased with the decision to revert to a Saturday-Sunday weekend to move to other states.
Among others, Johor PAS leader Mohd Mazri Yahya said the Saturday-Sunday weekend was a “colonial legacy”.
He also agreed with a PKR lawmaker from Johor, Hassan Abdul Karim, who objected to the switch.
The Pasir Gudang MP said PKR advocated for the state to maintain Friday and Saturday as its days of rest, saying that Friday is a holy day in Islam and highly regarded by Muslims worldwide.
