JOHOR BARU: Johor's decision to observe Saturday and Sunday as weekends should not be politicised by anyone, says Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi.
He said the weekend shift was made in the best interest of Johoreans and would not affect the sanctity of Islam.
"The state government is confident that this decision will benefit the people of Johor, allowing them to spend more quality time with their families," he said in a Facebook post.
Onn Hafiz also urged all parties against speculation or statements that could disrupt harmony in Johor.
He was commenting on Johor Regent, Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim's statement yesterday in which he said the decision to observe Saturday and Sunday as weekends were in line with the wishes of Johoreans.
Tunku Ismail said the decision was made with the consent of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, the King of Malaysia, and in consultation with the Johor Islamic Religious Council, the Johor government, and various other agencies.
He also said those who were unhappy or dissatisfied with the decision could consider relocating to states that observe Friday and Saturday as weekends.
Johor will revert to weekend off days on Saturday and Sunday starting Jan 1.