Malaysia: Sultan denounces laundry"s Muslim-only policy

The Sultan of Johor made an outspoken comment after a laundry shop had started a Muslim-only policy in the Malaysian state of Johor. As reported by Benar News on 27 September 2017, he denounced such a policy, stating: "This is not a Taliban state and as the head of Islam in Johor, I find this action to be totally unacceptable as this is extremist in nature." He also confirmed that Johor "belongs to all races and faiths". Thomas Muller, persecution analyst at World Watch Research, comments: "This incident concerning a sign in front of the laundry shop saying "˜Muslim friendly" went viral online and caused embarrassed comments from netizens. It is certainly encouraging that the Islamic leader of Johor publically denounced this policy, and the sharpness with which he rebuked it was remarkable. In an atmosphere of increasing tensions with religious minorities, at a time where political parties capitalize on ethnic and religious rifts for electoral gains, this is a very bold statement. However, the shop owner apparently placed this sign at the request of his customers, according to his own account as reported by La Croix International on 2 October 2017, which shows a growing societal bias against non-Muslim minorities."