Kelantan shop closure sends wrong signal, says think tank chief

[superadmin]

PETALING JAYA: A director of a think tank says the Kelantan government is sending the wrong message about the Aidiladha celebration by ordering a business shutdown on the first day of the public holiday.

Abdul Razak Ahmad, a founding director of Bait Al Amanah, said the state government’s rationale was difficult to understand as businesses staying open during festive seasons had never obstructed religious obligations.

Razak, a former consultant for the National Economic Action Council, said Kelantan’s “big government” approach was bad for the economy and undermined private businesses.

“Islam is such a progressive religion that it is best manifested through hard work, mutual respect towards other communities, and the enterprising spirit.

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