‘MUSLIM-ONLY’ SIGNBOARD OUT
Owner of controversial launderette obeys Johor sultan’s decree
THE owner of the self-proclaimed Muslim-only launderette in Muar said he would heed the Sultan of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar’s order to stop his discriminatory business practice.
The businessman, in his 40s, said he had abided by the sultan’s decree and taken down the controversial signboard at his launderette, which stated that only Muslims were allowed to use its machines.
“I abide by His Majesty the Sultan of Johor’s decree and have taken down the signboard,” he said.
This followed a report in an English daily yesterday highlighting Sultan Ibrahim’s stance on the issue.
In the report, the sultan ordered the launderette owner to stop the discriminatory practice at the self-service launderette in Jalan Junid, Muar, or face having it closed down.
He said it was unacceptable for the launderette owner to do such a thing as it was clearly against the vision of a “united, harmonious, moderate and tolerant Johor”.
“This is a progressive, modern and moderate state,” he was quoted as saying.
The ruler added that the discriminatory policy practised by the businessman was extreme and warned Johoreans against practising such form of discrimination.
“This is not a Taliban state and as the Head of Islam in Johor, I find this action to be totally unacceptable as this is extremist in nature,” Sultan Ibrahim said.
The ruler also said he had spoken to Johor Mufti Datuk Mohd Tahrir Samsudin on the matter and directed Johor Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Abd Mutalip Abd Rahim to investigate the case.
Photos of the signboard and the launderette had gone viral and stirred controversy with some quarters.
Johor prince Tunku Temenggong Johor, Tunku Idris Sultan Ibrahim, took to Instagram on Monday to say he was appalled by the policy, adding that it was “too extreme”.