The Johor government has defended municipal closure orders on two business premises as being founded in law and denied a DAP claim that the orders were ultra vires and cruel.
Last week, the Pontian Municipal Council had ordered the temporary closure of a minimarket in Pekan Nenas and a dental clinic in Pontian over the national flag being hung upside down.
State executive councillor Jafni Shukor said the basis for the orders were two by-laws; one authorises the council president to shut down premises that violate licence conditions or municipal by-laws, the other governs the proper display of the national flag or Johor state flag.
Jafni said the closure orders were not issued arbitrarily. “The closure order is also a stern warning to all to not be careless when it comes to issues related to the country or state’s dignity and sovereignty,” he said in a statement.
Jafni also said sterner action would be taken if such incidents recur, adding that there would be no compromise.
His statement comes a day after former Johor DAP chairman Dr Boo Cheng Hau petitioned for a disciplinary investigation into Pontian Municipal Council president Azim Shamsuddin over the closure of the businesses.
Boo said Azim’s orders appeared to be invalid as local councils’ powers under the Local Government Act are limited to matters of public nuisance, health, and hygiene within their boundaries.
However, Jafni said carelessness with displaying the national flag was “no small matter”. “It is unreasonable to blame employees for the blunder as the employer is responsible for any mistake or offence at their premises,” he said.
