After changing weekend, Johor exco wants all malls, supermarts to close fr 12pm to 2pm on Fridays

While the instruction of Johor Sultan to change the state's weekend rest days from Saturday-Sunday to Friday-Saturday has not been implemented; the private sector is still undecided amidst observation and confusion; and the federal government is still collecting views on the possible impacts of the instruction on private sector, particularly commercial activities, state executive councillor Ayub Rahmat said that he would gather public feedback on his idea of having entertainment spots, shopping malls and supermarkets to be closed from 12pm to 2pm on Fridays for prayers, before getting the Johor religious department to draft a proposal on the matter.

Although it is only a personal proposal, it has immediately triggered an uproar in the state while making non-Muslims uneasy as they are worried that it would end up as another major policy change just like the change of weekend rest days suggested by PAS Puteri Wangsa state assemblyman Abdullah Hussin.

In fact, there are still some ambiguities in the issue of changing weekend rest days in Johor. Johor is a constitutional monarchy and as the supreme ruler of the state, it has never been in doubt that the Sultan has the highest privilege in religious affairs. However, some legal professionals claimed that executive power is involved in the change of the state's weekend rest days. It seems to have some confusing grey areas between the executive power and the imperial power that should be clarified.

Anyway, as Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said, we must respect the Johor Sultan's decision. It also means that Johor will have its weekend rest days on Friday and Saturday instead of the present Saturday and Sunday. It is a fact that cannot be changed.

Wrong advice?

It must be particularly noted that Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin has mentioned more than once that government departments and national schools must comply with the Sultan's instruction to rest on Fridays while the private sector and private schools are free to choose their weekend rest days. Has the suggestion of Ayub Rahmat violated the pledge made by the Menteri Besar then?

Obviously, it is actually an unnecessary suggestion and a wrong advice.

Ayub Rahmat claimed that his suggestion, if accepted and implemented, will greatly benefit Muslims as it can avoid Muslims from going to these outlets at that time slot when they are supposed to perform Friday prayers at mosques. He also said that he does not hope the suggestion to be hyped into another issue. The problem is, 45% of the Johor population are non-Muslims and once the suggestion is implemented, it will certainly affect their lifestyle, interests and feelings. Could these be really disregarded?

Johor is a state of religious harmony and non-Muslim can openly accept the decision of changing the weekend rest days to Friday and Saturday. However, when it comes to some unnecessary suggestions that might deprive their basic rights and senselessly require them to comply with, they will not keep silent but resolutely oppose. Hopefully, the authorities can be tolerate and rational as they always do and continue upholding the noble ideology of seeking common ground while reserving difference when dealing with religious issues, to ensure sustainable harmony and joy of the society!