HM The Sultan of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar said that he will not be rushed into making a decision on the state government’s proposal to change the state’s weekend back to Saturday and Sunday.
“I do not want to be rushed into this decision as I need to think this through thoroughly. I will consider all the positives and negatives of the state government’s proposal, whilst also taking into account and perusing all viewpoints on the matter.
“There is no need for any hullabaloo or politicising on the issue. While I deliberate, I want the government to focus on Johor’s economic growth for the benefit of the people. The state government can send me any proposal, but I will consider and peruse them thoroughly before coming to any decision,” said His Majesty in his official Facebook post.
His Majesty has also made a request for all parties to stop speculating on the issue or to urge him into making a quick announcement.
“I will make an announcement when I am completely sure and confident that it will be the best decision for the good of Johor,” said His Majesty.
According to the statement, HM Sultan Ibrahim changed the state weekend to Friday and Saturday on 1st January 2014, as a mark of respect for Friday’s importance to Muslims and a nod of recognition to Islam as the state’s religion.
The change was actually a shift back to the state’s original weekend, which had been in effect since Johor was an Unfederated Malay State.
Johor only adopted a Saturday and Sunday weekend in 1994, during Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s tenure as the state’s Menteri Besar.
