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 mini-market 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…