Praise for Johor Ruler's stance on launderette

PETALING JAYA: The Sultan of Johor's firm and moderate stand on the controversial Muslim-only launderette in Muar has earned overwhelming support online.

An avalanche of "Daulat Tuanku" responses have appeared on The Star Online's official Facebook page, in response to Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar's call for the business to immediately stop its discriminatory practice or risk being shut down.

Muhammad Alif Azrai Norizan threw his support behind the Ruler: "His Majesty nails it!! He hammers the final nail with three final words 'NO! NO! NO!' Long Live His Majesty Field Marshal Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar!"

Jai Gaanesh said His Majesty had spoken and that "we are all thankful" for the timely intervention.

"We need more people to speak like this! His Majesty also prompted the councils to wake up and go act accordingly. This is a good example of good leadership," he added.

Chong Sau Kang was similarly grateful: "Thank goodness someone spoke up. Our society is becoming more and more polarised."

Ahmad Kamaruddin Hashim urged others to emulate the tolerant practices displayed in Sarawak: "It's because of thinking like this that there is a racial divide in Semenanjung (the peninsula)."

Kannagy Palanisamy gave His Majesty further kudos: "You are the only one who walks the talk. We love and honour you. May God Bless You and the State of Johor always."

"I applaud the Sultan of Johor, here is a man I respect as Head of State. Insightful, tolerant, inclusive, of honour and integrity," wrote Nancy Kulawsky.

"We need people of substance who are not afraid to stand up for what is right, who have direction for Malaysia and can govern for all Malaysians as One People and One Nation!"

Elsewhere, on Instagram, comedian and moderation advocate Harith Iskander posted, "Once in a while you read a headline that gives hope to the voice of reason."

He accompanied that post with a picture of The Star's frontpage story today on the Sultan's call.

However, some commentators on The Star Online's Facebook page held differing opinions.

Disagreeing with the Sultan, Ahmad Niza Abdullah said that it was up to the laundrette owner to decide what was best for his business.

"… if they decide to lose out on business that non-Muslims may bring, it's their decision," he said.

"Is it better to have that sign or for the owner to usher off every non-Muslim that walks into the place? They can take away the sign, it won't change the owner's beliefs," he added.

Athithen Yob-Selatan said all businessmen have their own business plans, while he does not agree with a Muslim-only policy, "At least he's being honest."

Nadirah H. Rodzi was also against the idea of the Johor Ruler shutting the business down.

"Should let them do it themselves, I think that would be more satisfying to some people," said Nadirah H. Rodzi.

Nor Elmie also voiced her respect for the laundry owner's decision, saying "Let him be."

Terrence Tan did not see the need for intervention, arguing that the business would eventually tank in the free market.

Pictures of the launderette went viral last week when reports showed it had a sign saying that only Muslims were allowed to use its machines.