This followed federal territories minister Shahidan Kassim announcing a public holiday for the federal territories following KL City’s victory over Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) in Tuesday’s Malaysia Cup final.

“I feel as an MP in Kuala Lumpur, if the minister wants to reward the football players then go ahead.

“If he wants to give RM1 million to each player, go ahead, but don’t announce a public holiday suddenly,” Teresa Kok (PH-Seputeh) told the Dewan Rakyat when debating the Supply Bill 2022 at the committee stage for the federal territories ministry.

She said this was because “not everyone is a football fan and not everyone needs the holiday”.

“This also means schools cannot open when there are students sitting for exams.”

She said a public holiday would also disrupt businesses such as factories.

“It’s lucky we don’t have a Parliament session on Friday. Otherwise, it would have been cancelled.”

Kok said the government should have consulted various parties first before making such an announcement.

Meanwhile, G25 Malaysia called for an end to announcing unscheduled public holidays.

In a statement, the group, consisting former top civil servants, said while the government meant well by announcing a public holiday, it should have been “thoroughly thought out to avoid any problematic consequences”.

“Not everyone welcomes surprises, pleasant or otherwise.”

G25 added that unscheduled holidays were disruptive to businesses, banks, schools and hospitals.