I read with concern the recent furore in the media on the prominence given to Christmas displays by retailers and Jom-Boikot's letter Boycott 'disrespectful' shopping malls . I would like to give my views on the subject.

I believe much of the anger was directed at shopping complexes in Johor Baru which had put up grander Christmas than Hari Raya decorations on the premises. Although this is seemingly unfair or unethical, I believe the retailers have their own reason for doing so. I myself am a businessman.

Let's be realistic: business is business and the bottom line is the most important thing to the businessman. So what must the shopping complex owner do to maintain or improve the bottom line?

He has to not only keep his present tenants happy, but also improve traffic to the premises so both owner and retailers realise profits. There are a few ways of achieving this goal, one of which is through good publicity. For example, Mid-Valley Megamall is doing a good job at this.

Then there is the 'Singapore' factor to consider. As we know, Singaporeans find shopping attractive in Malaysia, particularly in Johor Baru, the nearest city for them. And I dare say Singaporeans are the biggest spenders at most shopping complexes if not all in this city.

In other words, the shopping complex owners were doing nothing more than targeting their promotions at big-spending Singaporean shoppers. Need I say more? These businessmen were thinking of nothing more than the bottom line. What brings about the best results will naturally get their focus.

Traditionally, Christmas has been the major year-end festival. It is only in the past few years that Hari Raya has clashed with the Christmas season. It has been a tradition for these shopping complex owners to put up Christmas decorations a month or two before the actual festival.

It is almost a norm for them. Some owners may have found it too troublesome to deviate from this tradition for various reasons.

In summary, this issue is more about business than religion. I would advise critics not to take the festive decor imbalance personally and be misled by opportunistic politicians out to gain mileage by feigning to protect the Malay Muslims' interest.

Be open-minded. I can tell you, that if the shopowners are Chinese, they probably have no other thoughts or agenda than profitability.