Christians seek time off for Sunday services in Johor

(Asiaone) – The Council of Churches Malaysia (CCM) will seek time off for Christians in Johor to fulfil their religious obligations on Sundays following the change of the state’s rest days to Friday and Saturday.

“We will request for time off for both workers and students to attend church services on Sunday,” said CCM general secretary Rev Dr Hermen Shastri.

Hermen, who is not from Johor, said he does not know how Christians in the state managed or went to church prior to 1994 when Friday and Saturday were non-working days.

However, he said all stakeholders in state should have been consulted before the decision was made.

“There should have been broad-based discussions with political parties, civil society and other religious communities,” said Hermen.

This view was echoed by the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism.

Council president Jagir Singh said it is always best to have consultations so there is a better understanding of the views of other parties and faiths.