Malacca Johor Diocese bishop Bernard Paul sought royal intervention after leave applications for Easter Sunday by Christian teachers in Johor, were allegedly rejected by their school heads.

Easter Sunday falls on March 27, and is a working day in Johor.

“Easter is central to our faith and believe, even more important than Christmas.

“My people and I have only one desire that is for your kind intervention to remind the education authorities to respect the provisions that are already there for special religious leave applications,” he said in the appeal to the Johor sultan.

The bishop also shared the appeal on his Facebook page.

Johor executive councillor in charge of education Md Jais Sarday, said he will discuss the issue with the education department officials soon.

“So far, three schools including a primary convent school, a secondary convent and a Chinese vernacular school had requested that Easter Sunday be declared a holiday.

“I will discuss with the department and clarify the matter soon, including the leave applications from these Christian teachers,” he was quoted by The Star as saying.