KUALA LUMPUR – Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim (Arau-BN) is defending his decision to declare a public holiday tomorrow for all Federal Territories following KL City’s Malaysia Cup win, amid public brickbats.
He said unlike other states that typically grant a holiday immediately the day after their club’s victory, the Federal Territories were given over a day to make necessary arrangements KL City’s win on Tuesday.
Shahidan added that the decision was also made after referring the matter to and obtaining the approval of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali.
“If I go to Facebook now, the majority of Federal Territories residents will agree with me on the holiday given. All the MPs are also happy. Only Seputeh (Teresa Kok) doesn’t know to appreciate football,” he said, in reference to Kok’s debate earlier slamming the government over the last-minute holiday decision.
“This is the 100th anniversary of the Malaysia Cup. Every club is fighting for it, but with God’s grace, KL won it. To show our gratitude to God, we decided to reward the holiday to the Federal Territories,” Shahidan said in his ministry’s wind-up in Parliament for Budget 2022.
We didn’t give a holiday immediately the day after, like others. We gave some time and made the decision after consulting with the government.”
KL City stunned favourites and defending champions Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) on Tuesday night with a 2-0 score in the finals of the prestigious Malaysia Cup, ending its 32-year title drought at the national stadium in Bukit Jalil.
To celebrate the occasion, Shahidan yesterday announced in a statement that December 3 has been declared a public holiday for all Federal Territories, in line with Section 9(2) of the Holidays Act 1951 for Federal Territories.
The decision, however, has been criticised by various quarters, including the opposition.
Bangi MP Ong Kian Ming said in a statement that the unplanned holiday is socially and economically disruptive and could result in as much as RM400 million in lost output, while Ipoh Barat MP M. Kula Segaran said workers could end up losing out on their salaries as the holiday is not a paid one as covered under the Employment Act 1955.
Bank Negara and all banks in Kuala Lumpur, meanwhile, have decided not to adhere to public holiday announcements and will remain open tomorrow.
Shahidan said while he notes the banks’ decision to remain open, the public holiday is deserved, especially with other states in the country also rooting for KL City.
“KL is not only for KLites, there are people from Kelantan, Johor… Of course, Johor people will support Johor. But those from Perlis, Kelantan, Selangor, Pahang and other states all support the Federal Territories.
“They want us to beat the reigning champion that has been winning non-stop. We tried our best, and thankfully, we won,” he said. – The Vibes, December 2, 2021
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