Posted by Adeline Ting • Nov 8, 2022
Reflecting on the sermon brought back memories of my experiences with general elections. Before I was eligible to vote, my views on politicians and the general political scenario were very much derived from the newspapers I read, the history textbooks, and the mass media. I was still rather naïve, thinking that a system that works is best left as it is. Looking back, I may have been submitting blindly to the authorities.
While in the university, I was exposed to a larger community with greater diversity in political views. There were student bodies/councils in the residential colleges or faculties that had similar elections mirroring general elections in the country. The politics in the country inadvertently seeped into the tertiary front. Members of the student bodies were unabashed in discussing political issues, some even modelled themselves after their favourite politicians! Being a minority in the council, I chose to avoid participating in discussions related to politics. At that point of my life, I feared man more than I feared God.
Fast forward, I am a different person today. I am more well-informed, and I am no longer shy to share my views on the governance of the nation. I attribute this to not just the fact that information is more accessible in current times, but also to the fact that I know where I stand as a Christian in nation building. I am aware of my roles and responsibilities, as I strive to honour my nation, and be a good steward and great servant of the Lord. In my humble capacity as an educator, I constantly interact with the younger generation, and I sow seeds of love for the nation in them. I spark their awareness of their potential and importance in contributing to the nation. I share with them the opportunities and fundings, to pursue technology innovations which they could contribute to. I remind them that democracy is still alive here in Malaysia, people are resilient, and we have systems (healthcare, pension, public schools, infrastructure) that are primarily aimed at taking care of everyone. The imperfections that we see and hear are just momentary, awaiting the rise of new leaders to perfect the imperfections.
This GE15 will be my 6th opportunity to exercise my right to vote. I will continue to pray for the nation, the potential leaders, and us-the voters. Do what is right and never give up hoping and praying. We pray for the situation and let God deal with the outcome. As long as we continue to pray unceasingly for our nation and the generations to come, God hears our prayers and His will be done.
“Father Lord, forgive us for the many times we have turned our backs to our nation; in the things we have done and in the things we have left undone. Remind us that You have put us here in Malaysia and make as a Malaysian for a reason, and we should labour faithfully. Give us the courage and strength to remain faithful to our nation, and to persevere even when outcomes are less desirable. May we continue to be good stewards and great servants to the nation. Amen.”