The Sibu (Sarawak) by-election was held on Sunday, 16th May 2010. On the eve of the election (15th May), the Prime Minister announced that government grants (which had already been applied for) valued at RM1.75 million would be given to four Methodist churches in Sibu. The pastors of these four churches accepted the grants.
On 28th May, Bishop Hwa Yung sent a pastoral letter to the Methodist churches in Malaysia explaining the situation. He wrote: ‘Clearly, we are caught in a delicate dilemma, which has been forced upon us.’
The pastoral letter somehow found its way to Malaysiakini and so the whole affair entered the public internet arena. Most of the responses, from both Christians and those of other faiths, were critical of the acceptance of the grants and the words ‘bribery’ and ‘corruption’ were often used. I quote just three responses.
Anakbanjar says:
I am a Muslim. Muslims like Christians and other religions, abhor corruption
Ongohing says:
Thank you for your comment, Anakbanjar. Religious communities can make a common stand on such matters. Together we can send a powerful and effective message so that the political climate and culture can change for the better.
Kiawin says:
Churches in Malaysia need to make a stand. It’s not about pocket money and vote others. It’s about making a stand against corruption. Are we ready?
In his pastoral letter, Bishop Hwa Yung said that there will be fuller deliberations on the matter by the General Conference Executive Council at its upcoming meeting. I understand that this meeting will be held in August. The Council will have to confirm or reverse the action taken by the four pastors in accepting the grants. As the whole affair is now public property, we would expect a public statement on their deliberations. I believe that it is incumbent on the Christian Federation of Malaysia to endorse or to comment on the decision of the Executive Council and also to issue a statement concerning the policy of the church regarding grants, gifts or promises made to her by the government or political parties during election campaigning.
TO TAKE OR NOT TO TAKE – THAT IS THE QUESTION.
But what is the answer?
For me, it is simple and emphatic – NO. The timing of the grants was inopportune and could easily be construed as an attempt to encourage the large number of Christian voters in Sibu to support the Barisan Nasional. But I realise that the response of the four pastors and many other Christians is a simple and emphatic YES (although some might wish to qualify their answer!).
The government has succeeded in causing a division in the church over this issue. We must be careful not to allow the devil to have a heyday. Those who answer NO or YES must have sought the guidance of Jesus Christ, the Head of the church before making their decision. Therefore, we must bear in mind the words of Ephesians 4:2-3 ‘Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.’
The Micah Mandate is a Christian-based public interest advocacy ministry that seeks a transformation of our nation through justice, mercy and humility.
