Our Country, Our Home

March 8, 2008.An ordinary day the earth woke up to the first ray of sunshine. Showing neither ominous storm clouds gathering on the horizons, nor threatening omen of a torrential downpour, however, did not mean the entire course of the day would definitely run smooth. In fact, it was far from ordinary if put in Malaysia’s historical context. As if the change of four state governments and the loss of Barisan Nasional’s perpetual cocksure parliamentary two-thirds majority were not enough, the sea change brought about by the 12th general election of March 8 cannot even be brought to a halt. The beleaguered Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and his fellow comrades suffer continuous blows and castigations from within the BN coalition, the substantial growth in popularity of the Opposition, and even his former big boss has now rejected him.

Mass protests and speculations never ceased. Sabah Progressive Party(SAPP) president Datuk Yong Teck Lee threatened to make history by supporting a motion for no-confidence vote against the Prime Minister during the Dewan Rakyat meeting, which eventually did not take place. The murder case of Altantuya Shaariibuu, a Mongolian woman. Does it really involve our deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and his wife Datin Seri Rosmah, as claimed by the blogger Raja Petra, who became famous overnight after being charged in court for “publishing on allegedly seditious article on his website”?

Changing the limelight onto the judiciary system in our country, thanks to the infamous Lingam video clip, judicial reform is irreversible and judges arise all of a sudden to stun the people with revelations swept under the carpet for the past umpteen years. This time involving our former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad. Who is next in line?

Amid thunderstorms in the political field, soaring costs of living, inflation and higher fuel prices cause economy and social crisis to the country and its people. People rise up from various fields, be it education or media wise, fighting for fairness and freedom. As our country celebrates its 51st Merdeka this year, is it en route towards democracy, adulthood and maturity? Or is it heading backwards instead?

This is a dark world to live in, indubitably. However as Christians, we have the assurance from our Lord Jesus Christ- “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows ME will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”(John 8:12) This is a troubled time to live in, undeniably. But as children of the one true God, we are given the promise that we “may have peace”. “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”(John 16:33). So no matter what may occur tomorrow, be assured that the King of kings is the ultimate Ruler and Judge of this country!

As Malaysians, we are called to contribute to our country, making the effort, big or small, to make this land a better place to live in. As Christians, we are called to be the “salt of the earth” and “light of the world” (Matthew 5:13, 14). We may soar high and aim far, but deep down in our hearts, we know that whenever we grow tired of flying, there is a place we are always welcomed back to take a break. A place God put us in not without a reason. The place which greeted us our first “good morning” when we entered this world. The place we call our country, our home.

Let us be Malaysians, not just by name, but true Malaysian Christians by heart. No matter where you may be now, please remember your country in your daily quiet time. Its journey towards stability, transparency, fairness and freedom from all bondages. Nothing is impossible with God! Malaysia needs your prayers. Thank you!

* This article is written for the benefit of students who are now studying abroad, to have a glimpse into the current situation (esp. politically) of our country. And also serves as a reminder for all of us to pray ceaselessly for Malaysia. =)

In His service,
A full-time Malaysian Christian.