TWO days ago, PAS Johor stated that the weekend change announced by the Acting Sultan of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Ismail, is a colonial legacy, adding that the government should prioritise Friday.

Some PAS members are campaigning against the change on social media, saying it is ‘Islamic’ to have a holiday on Fridays.

But they are apparently losing the debate with some Islamic figures, including the Mufti of Perak amongst others, stating there are no holidays decreed on Friday’s after the prayers according to Islamic history and guidance.

Adding to the debate, Datuk Mohd Puad Zarkashi, a member of the Supreme Council, criticised PAS Johor for claiming that the change of the weekend in Johor to Saturday and Sunday is a colonial legacy.

He labeled the party as hypocritical, pointing out that the party continues to use many colonial remnants, particularly in the political and administrative system, including the country’s constitution, which he described as a product of colonialism.

“PAS should not be hypocritical. There are many colonial remnants that PAS accepts and utilises,” he stated.

“Islam remains the religion of the federation. This is why PAS does not dare to claim that Malaysia is a secular state. So why politicise the issue of Sunday as a holiday? It does not involve anyone’s faith,” he added on Facebook.

He also asked if PAS is ‘gambling’ when it is election time.

“When PAS participates in elections, candidates have to pay a deposit. Is that gambling? PAS claims it is acceptable for the benefit of gaining power. Without power, Islam cannot be governed,” he further remarked.

Meanwhile, Tunku Ismail has also explained that the weekend change in Johor was made according to the people’s wishes.

If there are those who are unhappy with the decision, they are “welcome to move to other states that still observe Friday and Saturday as holidays,” he wrote in a post on X. – Oct 13, 2024

https://focusmalaysia.my/puad-labels-pas-hypocrit-in-colonial-legacy-debate/