KOTA BARU, 13 July 2009: Kelantan has declared tomorrow a public holiday for all state government staff and federal government employees working in the state.
Menteri Besar Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat said the public holiday was regarded as an occasion holiday under the constitution and law.
At a press conference at his office in Kota Darulnaim here today, he added that the decision was made after considering public interest in view of the Manik Urai state seat by-election tomorrow, which falls on a working day.
Asked whether the move would be a loss to employers in terms of paid salary and production at manufacturing plants, he said employers must not just think of profit.
“This (declaring polling day a public holiday) is not new as the Penang government also did it for the Permatang Pauh by-election.
“I don’t know why the Election Commission chose a working day for polling day, and not a weekend or school holiday,” he said.
Nik Aziz, who is also PAS spiritual leader, urged voters to fulfil their responsibility of voting in a by-election in which it is more than likely that PAS will retain its seat. — Bernama
BS says
“I don’t know why the Election Commission chose a working day for polling day, and not a weekend or school holiday,” Nik Aziz said.
Dear respected Tok Guru, this is a BN tactic to discourage voter turnout. They only do this to PR strongholds. You did a wise [thing by] declaring a public holiday on 14 July.
Don’t worry, PAS will win big in this by-election and also the next elections. No way BN will win again, if they still [carry on in] the same manner as DPM.
We, the voters, know who is sincere and who is not.