LINGGA: Given the current uncertain economic situation, there is no urgent need for a public holiday to be declared ahead of the 15th general election (GE15).
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said, therefore, it is inappropriate to gazette Nov 18, which is the day before the polling day for GE15, as a public holiday.
He said the gazetting of a public holiday should be carefully considered so that it does not affect the nation’s economy.
“Malaysia is facing an uncertain economic situation and this country needs to start saving and spending prudently.
“Therefore I think it is inappropriate to gazette Nov 18 as a public holiday because what happens will affect the economy and, thus, the productivity of Sarawak and the workers,” he said.
He said this at a press conference after officiating at the Sarawakku Sayang programme at Dataran Pekan Lingga, yesterday.
When a public holiday is gazetted, he added, both the government and employers would also have to pay double wages to their workers.
This, he said, would be an additional cost to the employer considering that Malaysia is still facing an uncertain economy.
“I think this (public holiday) is not urgent because all the people will not vote on Nov 18, but in fact on Nov 19.
“Of course, everyone likes public holidays but the people of Sarawak are not lazy, they are hard-working. If they are hard-working, let them work,” he added.
