KUALA LUMPUR: The decision to declare a public holiday for the Federal Territories on Friday (Dec 3) following the victory of its Malaysia Cup team was not done unilaterally, said Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim.

       The Federal Territories Minister said that he was thankful of the team's victory and revealed that the decision was referred to the Prime Minister and the Chief Secretary to the Government (KSN).

       "If you ask whether it was referred to the Cabinet or others, I am not a minister who simply makes my own decisions.

       "I'm not like that. The decision to declare a holiday was made after being 'pressured' by the people of Federal territories, so we referred it to the prime minister and he referred it to the KSN. And the decision made.

       "I only announced it," he said while winding up the Supply Bill 2022 (Budget 2022) at the committee level for his ministry in the Dewan Rakyat on Thursday (Dec 2).

       Earlier, several opposition lawmakers, including Teresa Kok (DAP-Seputeh) openly objected to the decision to declare a public holiday for Federal Territories on Friday (Dec 3), saying it was an abrupt decision which could cause problems to businesses, industries and schools in the capital.

       During the Malaysia Cup final in conjunction with the 100th anniversary of the prestigious competition, Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) lost 0-2 to KL City FC, and failed to defend the title they won in 2019.

       "Many more voices have expressed their agreement for the public holiday except for Seputeh (Teresa Kok) who had questioned whether it was appropriate or not," added Shahidan.

       "The public holiday is for Federal Territories after more than 30 years waiting," he further said.

       Shahidan revealed that there would be some "bonus" to the football players but did not reveal the details.