-Edmund Burke-
Thousands gather in one voice as the uncertainties of politics stir a certain sense of justice and righteousness when Malaysia found herself as a country that could potentially open a pandora's box reached a climax when controversial arrests were made two days ago, sanctioned of course by the infamous draconian law known as the Internal Security's Act (ISA).
The voice of the people, somehow mattered. It stood firm behind those who they have put their faith in to lead Malaysia forward in hope of a better tomorrow, who stood fighting for freedom. Freedom that belongs to the people, and to the country that we love, a place most of us will call our tanahair.
Earlier this week, from the pages of press releases and articles fully concentrated on a certain individual AI, the repercussions and the potential mark of waves of protests that our parents lived through here in the 1960s that this country would hope never to see again is at the verge of setting itself once again. However, what I found interesting is that, our people are not living in fear as they once did before of any outbreaks of protests that are being anticipated for Sept 16. Of course, the older ones a more cautious and are asking their children to stock up on supplies and food (my parents included!). Perhaps, its something I am proud of because people believe in justice and have a hope that the "suara rakyat" is filtering through not as a lost cause but as a sounding trumpet for social change, transformation and freedom of what is just, right and honourable.
So many are speaking up, why not the Christians? We have people across races and religions speaking up and using the voice entrusted to them as people of this land to stand up for what is right. Far be it that we have silent christians in their own little world, oblivious to what is out there, and not participating. I feel, we need to encourage our Christian friends to me a whole lot more aware and concerned so they know what to pray for rather than just yeah, le'ts pray for Malaysia. One who prays with conviction, at least is serious enough to care about what he/she is seeking God for!
As Christians, some take the view that any form of protesting or challenging or voicing out to the government is in-submission to authority. Therefore, we should do nothing, just pray and that is enough. I strongly differ, and do so unapologetically. It is not that I am watering down the power of prayer, but prayer is powerful when we work with God, and believe God has put us in a place to stand up for what is right. He has given us wisdom, and a soul that seeks and pursues righteousness.
U know, let me share with you a perspective if you feel if you don't stand by the government means you are being in-submissive to authority. Who is the authority in this land? Have we thought about that? I only recently thought about it one day when my mom mentioned this to me. Who is the authority? What are we seeking to protect? Or rather what protects us? Freedom from what?
I can tell you - our submission to authority is NOT TO THIS GOVERNMENT, nor its officials and politicians. Our submission to authority in this land of Malaysia is to The Constitution. Our constitution is the highest authority of the land. That is what protects us and what we seek to protect. The rights of the people, this "suara rakyat"/voice of the people is the very essence and core of the principles by which this Constitution was written, and still stands today. Yet the events of the past few months, weeks and days surrounding this land, has done otherwise. And the invoking of the ISA and its use has only seen injustice and contradiction to our very own Constitution. Have we as true Malaysians forgotten what our forefathers fought for us? Do we even know what our Constitution says or what it is about? Its time we do. Let's save our anger and our rage and emotions if we have not first put right our ignorance by educating ourselves before we speak and before we rage angry vibes.
I've seen great impacts made by protests today that are non violent, non emotional and non extreme. This are true examples of the "suara rakyat". It shows too that people truly care, and are rational and stable in their thinking because they are passionate and convicted of what they stand for. It isn't a protest to cause disruption and instigating violence. But one to firmly state a fact. These are the people who want to see our Constitution used for the purpose it was written for. So all malaysians, you are best heard when you remain calm, have you head screwed on, and don't react. We believe in the voice of the people! This is our Malaysia.
I was at BLC today, and S was sharing some ideas of the forms silent witnessing can take place. And some were encouraged to honk at a certain time, stand still for one minute at a set time, not going in to work on sept 16 or for some lighting and holding candles at a set place and set time - to express their displeasure and passive protest to what is taken place in this country.
I totally agree, let's evoke our voice however we can, and in whatever form possible. And yet as i said earlier, pray is still our main weapon, yet couple with our testimony as Christians who stand up for what is right, we are truly living as God's instruments here on earth - for what He has called us to be for Him. A voice. A light. An expression of His love. His truth. And Hope.
As Christians, and as people of Malaysia, may people continue to be united by standing by what is right, just and honourable.
So, let us have courage. Be people who are bold and courageous because we are the "voice of the people".
Edmund Burke wisely noted "All that is necessary for evil to triumph is when good men do nothing".
It can be applied to all spheres, including sharing the gospel with a friend. Or it could possibly just by being oblivious and care free to the realities of what is happening in your world or mine.
At the end of it, despite all the mixed emotions that have boiled up within us in the mess our nation is in, and the uncertainties that lie head - our hope is found in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Today in church, I was reminded of this passage in Micah on how should we respond when all these things are happening? How Lord?
And what does the Lord require of you,
To LOVE MERCY
To ACT JUSTLY
To WALK HUMBLY with your God.
Still, the love and compassion of Jesus Christ first needs to be at the centre. Loving mercy, is about expressing our love and compassion for those who do not know the truth, who are still blinded that's why they do what they do. Our role is not to judge them but to love them even if we do not agree with their actions or feel what they are doing is wrong. Yet we love them. And at the same time, we also do our part by acting justly by standing in one voice, doing what we can for a better tomorrow. God will do the judging.
Spiritual Transformation and Social Transformation need to happen at the same time. And this is why Malaysia need our prayers. We will see spiritual revival when we see social-economic-political revival in this land.
Be courageous. If we don't use our voice, we stand to lose it completely.
And this is not just about Malaysia. It is about our world.
If spiritual revival matters to you, and world evangelisation and a better tomorrow matter to you, let me invite you to start a journey to start caring, start following and start praying for the US Elections. The US elections will affect all of us, more than you know. And we can all start praying for the right leader to lead the US because the entire shift of the world order depends on it. What happens there, will affect what happens wherever you are.
Be prayerful!
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