Another day, another holiday – but what did we gain?

Malaysians recently enjoyed a public holiday on our National Day, with many also savoring a week-long school break. Some states offered an extra day for residents who topped the medal count in the recent Sukma inter-state games. While these extra days may seem like a boon, they come at a cost. Employers foot the bill for these additional holidays, and the disruptions caused can be felt by all.

Retirees may not enjoy the extra day off, nor do they receive holiday pay, but they are grateful for the break. The economy doesn't benefit from these public holidays either, as costs rise and societal benefits are reduced. However, public holidays are meant to provide an opportunity for us to observe them appropriately, whether through celebrations, visiting loved ones, or fulfilling cultural or religious obligations.

If we stay at home without celebrating, then why are we deserving of a paid day off? One example of an ad hoc public holiday was declared by a state purely because it made it to the final of the Malaysia Cup football competition, even though it lost each time. This decision led to significant business disruptions and frustrated foreign bosses and colleagues.

While some may feel entitled to public holidays, the truth is that we gain nothing in return for our hard work. The leaders who declare these holidays may feel obliged to do so, fearing negative repercussions if they don't oblige. However, this entitlement is a problem that needs to be addressed. We have many things started by the government in good faith, but over time, these "privileges" have become "rights," even if they have never been voted into laws and statutes.

As the rakyat, we must recognize that public holidays are a privilege, not a right, and that the negative impacts on the economy outweigh the benefits. It's time to reconsider the number of public holidays we have and focus on the things that truly matter.