Berita NECF - May-June 2006

h t t p : / / w w w . n e c f . o r g . m y / h t m l / b e r i t a _ f . h t m P P 5 8 7 2 / 1 2 / 2 0 0 6 M A Y – J U N E 2 0 0 6

I N S I D ETHIS ISSUE

• More Cheers For Full-TimeWorkers

• DVC – Threat orOpportunity?

• Moral, Immoral, Amoral –Who Decides?

• A Christian Perspective ofthe Ninth Malaysia Plan

• Adoption – Get It Right

• SEE PAGE 3

E D I T O R I A L

Does a church have to be registeredas a society?Article 11(1) of the Federal Constitutionvery clearly states, “every person has theright to profess and practise his religionand, subject to Clause (4), to propagate

it”. The right to practise religion mustinclude the right to congregate togetherin the carrying out of religious practice.Article 11(3)(a) says that “every religiousgroup has the right to establish andmaintain institutions for religious orcharitable purposes”. The word“institutions” must necessarily includechurches, temples and the like. The veryexpression “religious group” used herealready assumes that religious practice isoften a group experience.

No conditions are found in Article11 or in the rest of the Constitution thatrequire a religious group to form a legalassociation before they can be regardedas lawful.

On top of this, Article 11(3)(a) ofthe Federal Constitution states, “everyreligious group has the right to manageits own religious affairs”. This implies thatthese groups cannot be compelled toform legal associations as in doing so they

subject themselves to many additionalrequirements. For example, byincorporating as a company or registeringas a society, religious groups makethemselves subject to all the requirementsof the Companies Act 1965 and theSocieties Act 1966, respectively.

They are also subject to the authorityof the Registrar of Companies and theRegistrar of Societies who may directthem to do certain acts or comply withcertain conditions.

If it is felt that a conflict exists betweenthe Societies Act 1966 and the FederalConstitution, this is resolved by Article4(1) of the latter. It says, “ThisConstitution is the supreme law of theFederation and any law passed afterMerdeka Day which is inconsistent withthis Constitution shall, to the extent ofthe inconsistency, be void”.

NECF Malaysia’s stand is thatchurches do not need to be registered associeties.

Why do churches want to beregistered as societies?One reason is fear that if they don’tregister, they may be breaking the law.As explained above, we hold that they

“A PASTOR RUNNING AN UNLAWFUL SOCIETY.”That’s the charge heard in a recent court case. It turned out that the

“unlawful society” was actually a church! A church that was registeredas a society with the Registry of Societies (ROS) but that was

subsequently deregistered. Since the church continued to operate in thesame name and place, it was regarded as an unlawful society. Many

Malaysian churches are registered with the ROS. The recent spate ofderegistration has raised question marks over this whole issue of the

relationship between churches and the ROS.In this article, we attempt to clarify the major issues.

NECF Malaysia’s stand is that churchesdo not need to be registered as societies.

2• Ber i ta NECF MAY – JUNE 2006

NECF MALAYSIA COUNCILChairman

Rev. Datuk Prince GuneratnamVice-Chairman

Rev. Eu Hong SengHonorary Secretary

Elder Kong Yeng PhooiHonorary Treasurer

Mr Samuel AngCommittee Members

Rev. Justin WanRev. Dexter LowRev. Ng Kok Kee

Rev. Foo Moy PingRev. Lim Soon Hock

Pr Tay Wah SengDr Khoo Kay HupMrs Grace Hee

Elder Chua Keng SengAdvisor

Elder David Boler, K.M.N.

NECF MALAYSIA STAFFSecretary-General

Rev. Wong Kim Kong, J.M.N.Executive Secretaries

Ann Low (Prayer)Kathryn Tan (Finance)

Patrick Cheng (LeadershipDevelopment )

Lim Siew Foong (Research)Ngeh Hoong Eng (Chinese)Alfred Tais (Bahasa Malaysia)

Ong Juat Heng (Communications)Tham Sing Kheong (Administration)Rev. Lai Moo Him (Special Projects &

Church Relations)Sandy Tan (Secretary-General’s Office)

Confidential SecretaryChing Bee Gaik

Administrative SecretariesSangan Mutang

Administrative AssistantsYvonne ChinJouslly Buaya

EDITORIALEditor

Rev. Wong Kim Kong, J.M.N.

Assistant Editor & WriterOng Juat Heng

ADDRESS32, Jalan SS2/103,

47300 Petaling JayaSelangor, MalaysiaTel: 603-7727 8227Fax: 603-7729 1139

E-mail: [email protected]

Printed by Akitiara Corporation1 & 3, Jln TPP1/3, Tmn Industri Puchong

Batu 12, 47100 Puchong, Selangor

More Cheers for Full-Time Workers from the

NECF FoundationFree Specialists’ Consultation for

Full-time WorkersEIGHT more specialists – three inMelaka and five in Ipoh – have joinedthe NECF Foundation panel ofprofessionals. The eight specialists areoffering free consultation to full-timeworkers attached to churches ororganisations, which are members ofNECF Malaysia.

The three in Melaka are Dr Au MunKit (eye surgeon); Dr Lim Boon Aik(cardiologist/physician); and Dr LauYoke Phan (paediatrician), while the fivein Ipoh are Dr Teoh Soong Kee(obstetrician and gynaecologist); DrYoong Fook Ngian (ear, nose andthroat); Dr Lam Fook Shin (eyesurgeon); and Dr C.S. Koh(cardiologist/physician).

There are now 11 specialists and onelawyer on the Foundation panel, butNECF is appealing to specialists fromother states to join the panel to help full-time workers in their regions.

Those who require the specialists’services have to get a letter from theirchurch/organisation stating the doctor toconsult with and their ailment, andpresent the letter to NECF, which willthen issue a referral letter to the doctorconcerned.

For emergency cases, the full-timeworker can contact NECF’s Rev. LaiMoo Him who will then directly contactthe doctor required.

The NECF-Great Eastern (GE)insurance scheme is still available toChristians attending NECF memberchurches and NECF AssociateMembers.

The Group Multiple Insurance SchemeInvestment Linked with Critical Illness offersinsurance coverage on injuries or deathdue to accidents and medical ailments atonly RM30 or RM50 per month.

Since the scheme started lastSeptember, the company has approvedand paid out one claim for RM50,000from a policyholder diagnosed with liver

Insurance Scheme

Financial AidThe Foundation has approved fourapplications for financial assistancetotalling RM36,000.

The Foundation gave RM3,000 to aJohor pastor and RM5,000 to a Perlispastor for medical assistance; a RM20,000interest-free loan to a pastor for his son’stertiary education; and an RM8,000interest-free loan to a youth worker forleadership training.

cancer.The company is now processing

claims from two policyholders diagnosedwith breast cancer.

MAY – JUNE 2006 Beri ta NECF •3

are not breaking thelaw.

Churches mayalso wish to acquirelegal personality toenter into commercial transactions andto exercise legal rights as a group.Registered societies may also find it easierto apply for various permits fromgovernment authorities, such asconverting land designated for residentialpurposes into property for religiouspurposes, bringing in foreign missionariesor speakers, and others.

What are the risks of registering as asociety?A registered society runs the risk ofderegistration. A single complaint froma disgruntled member on the ground ofsome technicalities is sometimes enoughto bring about deregistration.

The Registrar of Societies may cancelthe registration of a society for variousreasons. Deregistration can happen, forexample, if a society has willfullycontravened any provision of theSocieties Act 1966 or of any regulationmade under it (such as SocietiesRegulations 1984) or of any of its ownrules. (Section 13(1)(c)(iv)) This is verybroad. A society can also be deregisteredfor failing to comply with additionalorders of the Registrar or if it is unableto settle an internal dispute.

When a society is deregistered, itbecomes an unlawful society. Everybranch of that society also becomesunlawful.

Note that a society that is deniedregistration (upon application) forwhatever reason(s) also becomes anunlawful society.

The property of the deregisteredsociety will be vested in the OfficialAssignee for the purpose of winding upthe affairs of the society, which includesproviding for all debts and liabilities ofthe society and the costs of winding upbefore paying out the surplus.

Registered churches should take extracare not to give grounds for complaints

leading toderegistration. In anycase, NECF isarguing that a churchthat is deregisteredcan still operate as achurch (under Article

11 of the Federal Constitution), thoughnot as a society. It will revert to its initialor primary constitutional status. Again,there’s a battle to fight here.

What are the alternatives toregistration?Article 11(3)(c) of the FederalConstitution says that “every religiousgroup has the right to acquire and ownproperty and hold and administer it inaccordance with law”.

By virtue of Section 43 of theNational Land Code 1965, only fourgroups of persons or bodies are eligibleto hold and deal in land (immovableproperty) in Malaysia, namely:

(a) Natural persons other than minors;(b) Corporations having power under

their constitutions to hold land;(c) Sovereigns, governments, organi-

sations and other persons authorised tohold land under the Diplomatic &Consular PrivilegesOrdinance 1957; and

(d) Bodiese x p r e s s l yempowered to holdland under any otherwritten law.

Section 9(2)(d) of the Societies Actexpressly allows societies to hold land intheir name. Some churches alsoincorporate themselves as companies,usually private companies limited byguarantee. This comes under (b).

Setting up a trust is another possibility,which comes under (d). A trust is anarrangement under which property isgiven to one or more persons (called thetrustee or trustees) to use or apply theproperty and the income from it, forother persons (the beneficiaries).

A trust can be easily created. Membersof a church can appoint one or moretrustees by resolution of a general

meeting. A memorandum of thisresolution should be drawn up and signedeither at the meeting by the personpresiding, or afterwards and witnessedby two people who were present at themeeting.

A trust deed can also be prepared byan experienced and competent legalpractitioner at the request of the churchmembers or a committee formed forthe purpose of appointing a trustee. Thedeed should precisely state the purposeof such a trust, the subject matter or trustproperty, and the beneficiaries.

However, the church must ensure thatthe trustees appointed are capable as wellas trustworthy because of the extensivepower they hold. While church memberscan sue for breach of trust, the processcan be lengthy and involves manycomplications.

The trustees can also apply for acertificate of registration as a corporatebody and this may be granted under theTrustees (Incorporation) Act 1952(applicable in Peninsular Malaysia only).

The trust will then enjoy the benefitof perpetual succession, a common seal,power to sue or be sued in its corporatename and transact other business in its

corporate name.I n c o r p o r a t i o n ,however, is notstrictly necessary.

The issue withmovable property ismore easily resolved.For example, NECF

Malaysia has an understanding with PublicBank whereby its banks allow churchesto open accounts in their names with asupport letter from NECF.

This aside, a non-registered church thatis a member of a recognised organisationmay get the necessary clearance with thesupport from the parent organisation. (Ifthe church has set up a trust, all propertycan be held under the trust.)

This is also true when it comes toobtaining other approvals. NECF hashelped many member churches withvarious kinds of applications.

Churches should intelligently andprayerfully consider the available options.

•FROM FRONT COVER

“When a society isderegistered, it becomes

an unlawful society. Everybranch of that society also

becomes unlawful.”

“Registered churchesshould take extra care not

to give grounds forcomplaints leading to

deregistration.”


By now, cinemas across the world will be blazingwith The Da Vinci Code (DVC) movie starringmegastar Tom Hanks. The movie has all the elements

of a box office draw – mystery, conspiracy, action, dramaand a blooming romance between the protagonists.

So, Malaysians will be flocking to the theatres to catchthe controversial movie. Of course, Christians will be part– a large part, perhaps – of the crowd.

But weeks before D-day (May 19 – the movie’s openingday), several Malaysian Christians called for the banning ofthe movie, but these are individuals speaking for themselves.As far as is known, only one grouphere has publicly called for the movieto be banned (and it is not even aChristian group). The association,which concerns itself with languages,based its objection not on theologybut linguistic.

On the other hand, our threenational Christian bodies have notcalled for a ban but instead writtenpastoral letters and statements toadvise their members. Churches havealso held seminars, teaching sessions and group discussionson the allegations and controversies raised in the novel.

So, rather than ignore or boycott DVC (whether thenovel or the movie), Christians now have a great opportunityto share their faith – and to sharpen their own beliefs in theprocess, according to Dr Jim Garlow, co-author of thebestselling Cracking Da Vinci’s Code and The Da Vinci CodeBreaker.

In his article in the April 25 Christianity Today Online, hesaid, “We could boycott it with loud protests, but I thinkthat would only drive ticket sales even higher.”

Instead of fuming over the book, he cheekily thankedDan Brown (DVC author) for doing the church “a greatfavour” because his novel has provided “a great opportunityto sharpen our own faith by deepening our biblical andhistorical understanding”.

“Brown is helping to motivate the church to learn itsstory. And if it learns its story, it will be able to defend itselfagainst not only The Da Vinci Code, but other attacks onChristianity,” he remarked.

Should Christians watch the movie? He advised, “Go

DVC – Threat or Opportunity?to the movie, but not with other believers. Go withunbelievers/seekers; the ensuing conversation couldeventually lead them to faith in Christ. Christians, if they arestrategic, will be in prime position to answer seekers’questions.”

This leads us to an article in The Star on May 3 by MarinaMahathir who told the story of her friend’s daughter whowanted to read the Bible after reading the novel. Her frienddid not think it (reading the Bible) was a bad idea but shewas concerned that an impressionable young mind wouldnot be able to differentiate fact from fiction.

This outspoken lady then saidsomething rather startling:“…perhaps what was needed is aDa Vinci Code-type book forMuslims to spark off the same levelof interest in young people in theirown religion.”

Indeed, the novel has stirredmuch interest among Christians,young and old alike, and provokedus to search our faith on a deeperlevel.

Marina rightly pointed out that “While there are manyChristians who are upset about the book and movie, theyare countering it with seminars and other educational eventsto balance what is being said in the book, even if the bookis only fiction.”

NECF Malaysia Secretary-General Rev. Wong KimKong agreed that the DVC “is scandalous, bears muchblasphemous depiction of Jesus and does not carry thetruth of the Gospel. It is extremely offensive to us.”

“However, Christians support the principle of freedomof expression and independent media but the right of thisfreedom must entail ethical and moral accountability andresponsibility to the welfare of society. It should also includethe credibility of truth,” he added.

Rev. Wong believed the DVC has helped Christians tothink more critically of their faith with the help of the manymaterials available from Christian organisations and theInternet. He concluded: “When one’s belief is challenged,there arises the opportunity to search deeper. In the end,our faith is stronger because we have gone through muchmind and soul searching.”

Tom Hanks as Harvard symbologist RobertLangdon and and Audrey Tautou as French

cryptologist Sophie Neveu .

N E C F ’ S S T A N D


Should public display of affection be outlawed? • CONTINUED NEXT PAGE

N E C F ’ S S T A N D

Morality is a contentious and complex subject. Longhas there been a debate on whether publicbehaviour should be dictated by a few religious

and moral vigilantes.Some hold that Malaysia needs public morality in this

era of permissiveness and promiscuity and that laws areneeded to maintain social order. “The value of religiousbelief will not and should not be accepted as part of publicmorality unless they are shared by the pluralistic communityat large, by consensus,” said lawyer cum columnist SalbiahAhmad in her article in The Sun (9 Aug. 2005).

The question is: How can such consensus be achievedin a pluralistic society? Where does one draw the linebetween public and private? Most importantly, whodetermines the range of acceptable behaviour for allMalaysians of diverse cultural and religious backgrounds?

While Christians in general perceive prayer as a privateaffair and personal conviction, it is not so for the 68-year-old Kelantanese who was fined under the Kelantan IslamicCouncil and Malay Customs Enactment 1986 (Amt.1994)for not attending Friday prayers (NST, 30 March). Althoughholding hands in public may not be allowed in Islam,it is fairly common among Malaysians of other faiths.

In response to the arrest of 100 young Muslimsat Zouk nightclub in Kuala Lumpur by theFederal Territory (FT) Religious Department inJanuary 2005, the Cabinet affirmed its positionthat “morality issue is best left to the family”and crime prevention to the police. The Cabinetfelt that the country had no need of moralpolicing to keep tabs on people’s behaviour.

However, Datuk Dr Abdullah MohamedZin, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Departmentin charge of Islamic affairs, was reported to havedefended the Religious Department’s action.According to FT Syariah Criminal Offences Act,anyone “who, contrary to Islamic law, acts or behavesin an indecent manner in any public place shall be guiltyof an offence.”

Six years ago, club performer Azlina Abbas wasdetained by the Selangor Islamic Department (Jais)

Moral, Immoral, AmoralWho Decides?

for insulting Islam by being in premises where alcohol isserved. The charge was later dropped. In 1997, three youngMalay girls were arrested, charged and fined by the samedepartment for indecent dressing and taking part in a beautycontest.

Islamic laws govern every aspect of the lives of theMalaysians of Islamic faith. “Fundamentalism and intoleranceruns very deep in Malay-Muslim society… Muslims havefew choices… our life is regulated and regimented,” said apolitical analyst (Asia Times Online, 9 Feb. 2005). Yet the lawsare not confined within the boundaries of this community.

Despite the saying that morality laws apply only to thoseof Islamic faith, the overzealousness has spilled over to thecommunities of other faiths. In Ipoh, a student and hisgirlfriend were booked for “indecent behaviour” as theyheld hands and talked in Ipoh Padang (NST, 13 April 2003).

Another student was issued a summons for talking witha classmate at the stairway of a library in Ipoh. Those livingin metropolitan Kuala Lumpur are not spared. A couplewas charged under the FT Parks Bylaws 1981 for holdinghands and kissing in the KLCC park in August 2003.

Many consider moral policing a religious duty.Some have argued that the Federal Constitution

recognises Islam as the official religion and thatsince Malaysia has been declared an “Islamic state,”

the state therefore has a responsibility to enforceIslamic laws on its citizens. Others question theconstitutionality and propriety of denying people

their privacy, freedom of speech and expression.Many lawyers of various religious backgroundsare of the opinion that enforcing Islamic lawsviolates individual fundamental liberties.Datuk Dr Sharifah Hapsah Syed Hasan

Shahbudin, president of the National Council ofWomen Organisation, believed that moral controlthrough laws could not solve social problems

(Star Online, 9 March 2005).Her view was echoed by former Prime

Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad who

?


said, “The most effective way to prevent people fromcommitting crimes and wrongdoings is to instil in themgood and noble values instead of coming up with morelaws”. (Star Online, 18 April 2005).

Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz, minister inthe Prime Minister’s Department, was quoted as saying,“We do not want Malaysia to turn into Taliban rule,” andthat “individual rights regardless of religion or creed” mustbe respected in the multi-racial society (Star Online, 25 March2005).

The Cabinet had also issued a directive disbanding theMelaka’s controversial snoop squad, 4B Youth’s MatSkodeng. Another religious snoop squad was formed inthe administrative capital Putrajaya in January and was laterdisbanded under similar circumstance.

Legislating bylaws to curb indecency is the touchy issueof the day.

On April 3, the Federal Court affirmed the power ofthe local government to create bylaws to act against “citizenswho behave in a disorderly manner in public” (The Sun).

In his remark, Chief Justice Tun Ahmad Fairuz SheikhAbdul Halim seemed to suggest that kissing and huggingin public was a disorderly manner although it waspermissible in countries like England. Many wonderedwhether his comment carried the connotation of religiousinterpretation of morality and personal conviction.

In response to the ruling, the Bar Council, All Women’sAction Society and Human Rights Commission of Malaysiahave called the authorities to define indecency.

While the intention may be for upholding good morality,it is subjective in nature, for there are different kinds ofmorality due to diverse belief systems. Legislating moralitybased on religious principles would be simply deciding oneaction is wrong (non-Islamic or non-biblical, etc.) andanother is right (Islamic or biblical, etc.).

Whichever principle is applied, the enforcers would beseen as imposing that morality based on certain religiousprecepts on another who may be of a different faith.

Having said that, laws relating to criminal offences areall moral in nature for they represent a system of morality.Laws against murder, rape and thefts are both moral andreligious issues that are found in all cultures. That is why wehave this enactment called the Penal Code, a consolidationof law that is related to criminal offences.

NECF Malaysia stresses its stand in upholding morality,for it ensures justice and harmony between individuals anda good society. Nevertheless, we also believe that personaland religious-based morality should not be imposed onothers in pluralistic Malaysia.

Recognising that policing relates to crimes, we call forpolicing criminality rather than policing morality andare confident that the Penal Code itself is sufficient to maintainpublic order and morality.

– Reported by NECF Malaysia Research Department

? • FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

NECF MALAYSIAINCOME & EXPENDITURE 2005

INCOME

Donations & GiftsSubscriptions ReceivedSeminar Fees ReceivedOthers (FD interest & Admin. Fees)

Total:Surplus/Deficit for the year

EXPENDITURE

Staff ExpensesOffice ExpensesSubscriptions Paid OutSeminar ExpensesDonations & GiftsDepreciationTotal:

ACTUAL

2005 2005

ACTUAL

INCOME YEAR 2005 EXPENDITURE YEAR 2005

476,906152,013 45,760 53,625

728,30468,345

431,429126,376

25,86729,465

1,12445,698

659,959


On March 31, 2006, the FederalGovernment tabled the NinthMalaysia Plan (9MP) in

Parliament to great public acclaim. This524-page document contains the first ofthree five- year plans to achieve Vision2020 and its goal of making Malaysia afully developed country.

Prime Minister Dato’ Seri AbdullahAhmad Badawi has said that the 9MP isthe centrepiece of his administration andthat no other policy implementation taskis more important.

What is the 9MP and what are itsimplications for Christians? This article willbriefly sketch out some of its main

features and notable points. Those whoare more interested in it will obviouslywant to read the Plan for themselves. Asoft copy is available from the followingwebsite: http://www.epu.jpm.my/rm9/RMKe9.htm

At the heart of the 9MP is a RM220billion allocation for Federal Governmentdevelopment expenditure over the nextfive years. The Plan specifies the objectivesand strategies that will guide thegovernment in spending this amount.

Also central to the Plan are policiesand regulatory requirements that do nothave an explicit cost but which arenonetheless critical to the achievement ofspecific goals. These include measures toredistribute employment, income andwealth along ethnic lines and enhancepublic service delivery.

Islam Hadhari’s role in 9MPAt the outset, it is important for theChristian community to note that there isan anomaly early in the 9MP. Page 9 of

the Plan states that:-“Islam Hadhari was introduced in

2004 as a comprehensive and universaldevelopment framework for the nation.The framework was formulated as anapproach that enjoins progress andadvancement as an imperative for thepeople, while being rooted in the universalvalues and injunctions of Islam.”

The statement that Islam Hadhari wasintroduced as a framework for “thenation” seems to lack a sound factualbasis. If it is indeed grounded in reality,then Christians and non-Christians alikeshould, in the interests of transparencyand accountability, seek clarification fromtheir leader as to the exact manner,circumstances and details by which such

a framework was adopted by the nation.The idea that something can be both

intrinsically universal and particular all atthe same time is, at the very least, adebatable one. In no way can it beconsidered as beyond question and anaccepted fact.

Indeed, in a multi-religious society likeMalaysia, the association between universalvalues (no matter how desirable) withone particular religion (no matter whichone) should be considered, at best,inappropriate and, at worst, insensitive.

The assertion that non-Muslims shouldembrace the principles because they arenot specific to Muslims is especiallytenuous when the above statement iscompared with another on the same page:“Islam Hadhari is an effort to bring thepeople back to basics and back to thefundamentals, as prescribed in the Quranand the Hadith that form the foundationof Islamic civilisation.”

If this indeed accurately describes thetrue intentions, then it quite clearly

contradicts the universal claims that aremade.

Five ThrustsLeaving aside the specificity of thephilosophy, the 9MP outlines a NationalMission for 24.4 million Malaysians thatcomprise five thrusts.

The first thrust of the 9MP is to movethe economy up the value chain.

This requires two complementarystrategies: first, the migration of existingeconomic activities, such as electrical andelectronics, towards higher value-addedand technology segments and, second,the establishment of new activities, as inbiotechnology, services and agriculture.

The second thrust of the Plan is to

raise the capacity for knowledge andinnovation and nurture a ‘first-class’mentality. The primary means of doingso is via the education system, namely byimproving the access and quality ofsecondary and tertiary institutions,nurturing top quality research anddevelopment and innovation, and byharnessing the efforts of women andyouth, and the development of strongmoral values.

Christians should strongly supportboth of these thrusts and participate tothe fullest extent possible. Many are alreadyinvolved in services and the NewEconomy and the Plan provides formore opportunities in such areas.

Education is also something that hasbeen one of the core values of theChristian community, especially one thatavoids an over-emphasis on text books,tuition and examinations.

The third thrust of the 9MP is toaddress socio-economic inequalities

By Huang Zheng Ming

of the Ninth Malaysia PlanA Christian Perspective

• CONTINUED NEXT PAGE

for “the nation” seems to lack a sound factual basis.The statement that Islam Hadhari was introduced as a framework


9 M P9 M P

NECFOrang AsliConsultationOrang Asli (OA)

Christians must bes p i r i t u a l l y ,

economically and academicallystrong so that their Church can beindependent and self-supporting. Whenthey are strong, they are not afraid ofexternal threats or being taken advantageof by other groups, Alfred Tais said to agroup of OA pastors and leaders at anOA consultation in April.

The NECF Malaysia ExecutiveSecretary (BM) said those ministering tothe OA churches must help OA parentsto see the importance of education sothat they will push their children to study.

“Most OA parents don’t care if theirchildren drop out of school early. If thiscontinues, they will remain backward,”Tais pointed out at the consultation,themed Arah Tuju Pelayanan Orang Asli(the future of the OA ministry).

Tais said there were many people withthe expertise to provide skill and trainingto the OA in agriculture.

The next speaker, Kon Onn Sien,took this up further in his message,

OA not second-class citizens

constructively and productively.Importantly, the Plan approach in

resolving socio-economic imbalances isto “focus on capacity building andcompetitiveness, taking into account thelessons of the past and the pressures ofglobalisation and liberalisation”.

The fourth thrust of the 9MP is thatof improving the standard andsustainability of the quality of life. Thistakes the form of meeting the needs forhousing, health, transport, energy andwater, as well as culture and sports.

Christians must stand for social justice.That we have not done so to a greaterextent is reflective of the lack of teachingthat our gospel is as much a social as aspiritual one.

We can have no quarrel that the poorand marginalised must be given a handup into the economic mainstream. Our

reason is not the negative fear of socialinstability but the positive opportunity toshow love and concern. The emphasison eradicating poverty, intra-ethnicinequalities and care for such groups asthe elderly, disabled, single mothers andorphans all resonate sympathetically withthe Christian agenda for the past twomillennia.

Where we would take issue with the9MP is the unnecessary identification ofsocio-economic inequalities with race,and by implication religion. The abilityto improve one’s standard of livingshould be based squarely on necessity andnot ethnicity. The Christian premise isone that regards all as equal in the sightof Almighty God.

Christians must also beuncompromising against corruption,waste and inefficiency. As is well known,however, a large part of these problemsemanate from policies that break the

relationship between work and reward.The removal of ethical incentives is

contrary to moral teachings of anyreligion, regardless of Christianity orIslam.

Fifth and finally, the 9MP seeks tostrengthen institutional andimplementation capacity of thegovernment by promoting goodgovernance and enhancing the publicservice delivery system.

Needless to say, policies withoutimplementation are sterile and fruitless.Thus, the inclusion of a culture of publicservice is an appropriate antidote to thepresent public services culture.

Christ Jesus’ analogy of the vine,branches and the bearing of fruit shouldfully inform not only our lives but alsopolicies and plans.

This article is contributed by the NECFMalaysia Research Commission.

• FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

Pr Miun Amat from SIB Tanjung Malim (standing)presenting his group’s report after discussion.

“Developing the OAeconomy in the longrun”. He said thoseministering to the OA

should not just bring themessage of transforming lives

but bring economic developmentto their village as well.

Though the OA has no money, theyhave their land which they can develop.Kon said his foundation, Yayasan Kajiandan Pembangunan Masyarakat(Foundation for Community Studies andDevelopment), of which he is themanaging director, was willing to helptrain the OA in developing their land.

He added that the Church couldfurther help the OA with marketing theproduce of the OA farmers to improvetheir earnings. “For example, in Jerantut,the Orang Aslis sell their D24 durian totraders for RM1 per kilo. The tradersthen re-sell the durian at RM8 per kilo.Imagine how much more the Orang Aslican earn if they are helped in this area,”he said.

He urged the OA to change their

mindset of dependency and said whentheir economy is strong, they can thenrun their own church activities withoutexternal help.

The last speaker, lawyer Lim HengSeng, said the OA must know their rightsor they will always be living in fear.Speaking on “The Rights of Orang Asli”,he said they must know their rights underthe “Akta Orang Asli 1954” (Orang AsliActs 1954).

In addition, they must know theirright to freedom of religion accordingto the Federal Constitution. “You are freeto build your church in your kampung. Youare free to practise your religion. Also,according to the Constitution, you are notsecond-class citizens and you must speakup whenever you face problem with yourland,” he urged.


LEADERSHIP development is key to the transformation ofthe church, and mentoring happens to be a critical part of thatdevelopment.

“Mentoring is an intentional effort to build leaders throughintimate relationships, ” said Dr John Ng who conducted arecent mentoring workshop jointly organised by NECF Malaysiaand Eagles Communication (Singapore).

The Eagles Executive Vice-President said,“Leaders are naturally lonely people andmentoring provides a way for them todevelop friendship and companionship.Many leaders have fallen out for lack ofaccountability.”

Over 120 people comprising pastors andchurch leaders who attended the interactiveworkshop gave it a high rating in terms ofusefulness in helping them consider a ministryin mentoring.

Dr Ng kicked off the workshop bygiving participants a biblical perspective ofmentoring. Since mentoring is a relationship,he used Paul’s relationship with Timothy asa model of the kind of relationship that should be emulated.

According to him, mentoring is “a trust and synergisticrelationship that seeks to support and develop individuals intheir personal growth to be a God-centred person, holisticpersonal development and improved performance.”

In any relationship, there is always the fear of failure andbreakdown in the relationship. “Leaders therefore need to learnhow to recover from failed relationship. Paul was a goodexample of a leader who never stopped building relationshipeven after experiencing failed relationship. He realised peoplewould fail and disappoint him, yet he found strength to recover

and risk again because he realised that was the way to pass hislegacy,” Dr Ng pointed out.

He then moved on to the purpose or goal of mentoring,which is learning (for the mentor) and helping people to learn(for the mentoree). “How do people learn?” he asked theparticipants. Some of the answers were: observing, asking

relevant questions and imitating or rolemodeling.

Dr Ng felt role modeling was a criticalaspect of learning and he related the storyof Roger Bannister, the first man to runone mile in under four minutes in 1954. Sixmonths after his historic success, threepeople broke the record 26 times. Why wasit impossible before Roger Bannisteraccomplish the feat?

“The reason is that runners copied his(Bannister’s) techniques. – where he practised,what he ate, what he did and how oftendid he do it and so on. That was role-modeling at work,” he stressed.

Good mentors must provide a climatethat is conducive for growth. “You can’t change people. Youcan only provide an environment for change,” Dr Ng said.

He then took participants through the MentoringFramework, which provides a structure to start a mentoringrelationship. The framework addresses issues such as the goalsand values of mentoring, the types of partnership to base therelationship on, the structure or system of mentoring and whatobstacles to expect in a mentoring relationship.

The session was a beneficial exercise as it providedparticipants time to discuss the issues addressed in theframework.

The engaging Dr Ng... “Good mentorsmust provide a climate that is conducivefor growth.”

Transforming The Church Through Mentoring

IN the Chinese language, crisis meansdanger as well as opportunity. Similarly,in Christian leadership, God can use crisisto help transform a leader, according toDr Herbert Tan. He was speaking tosome 60 pastors and leaders of BMchurches in the peninsula at a two-dayconference in March organised by theNECF Malaysia Bahasa MalaysiaCommission.

Dr Tan urged the participants tomtherefore, view crises positively. Theleadership development consultant withMalaysia Campus Crusade for Christ,conducted all three sessions aimed at

From Crisis to Characterhelping participants think through theprocess of leadership development.

In his first session, he explored theframework of leadership development– why it is vital that churches haveprogrammes to develop their leaders andthe structures of a good developmentprogramme.

His second session dealt with howGod uses crisis to shape the heart of aleader. “How should we respond tocrises?” he asked. “We ought to look toGod with joy and gratitude, and acceptthe crisis with the attitude of ‘What areYou teaching me?’ rather than ‘Why do

You allow it to happen?’ ”The final session touched on the issue

of commitment. He said leaders mustbe committed to setting and keeping theirpriorities, and developing their potential.

On setting priority, Dr Tanrecommended that they place the familyhigh on the list. “Leadership begins athome. How we lead our familymembers will determine how well welead outside the home,” he stressed.

Leaders must also be committed todeveloping their potential. “But while itis good to have the best developmentprogrammes, we can only develop to ourfullest potential if we have an intimaterelationship with Christ,” he concluded.


Should MPs be allowed to voteaccording to their conscience even if itmeans supporting an Oppositionmotion? Over 92% said yes while a paltry1.9% said no in response to an onlinepoll by The Star.

Nearly 3,000 readers participated inthe poll, conducted in response to theresignation by Johor Baru MP DatukShahrir Abdul Samad on May 4 asChairman of the Backbenchers Club afterhe failed to get backing from his fellowmembers to support a DAP motion.

The Opposition party had moved torefer Jasin MP Datuk Mohd Said Yusof,over a New Straits Times report, to theRights and Privileges Committee forasking the Customs department to “closeone eye” over an illegal import of sawntimber from Indonesia. Mohd Said lateradmitted he owns the forwarding agencythat imported the timber.

Following Shahrir’s resignation, thePrime Minister reminded all partymembers to stick to party rules, one ofwhich is they cannot support Oppositionmotions.

He also said that since the DewanRakyat speaker has rejected the motionfor Mohd Said to be investigated, theUmno Supreme Council did not discussthe matter at their meeting on May 8.

Pray for the PM and the governmentwho have so often said it wanted to weedout corruption. Pray that God willsensitise their conscience and emboldenthem to do the righteous thing, as whatShahrir had done.

Conscienceneeded for MPs

There’s hope yet for Lina Joy, who hasbeen trying for years to delete the word“Islam” from her MyKad.Originallynamed Azlina Jailani, she managed to

Lina Joy’sMyKad case

change her name (at the NationalRegistration Department) to Lina Joy in1988 after converting to Christianity.

The department (NRD) howeverrefused her application to delete “Islam”from her identity card because it felt thatwould mean changing her religious status.and it had no jurisdiction to do so withoutproper advice from the Syariah Courtor ther Islamic religious authorities.

Lina took her case to court and onApril 13, the court granted leave for theFederal Court to decide whether theSyariah Court has the exclusive jurisdictionto hear cases on Muslims who renouncedtheir religion. The apex court will also ruleif a Muslim needs to produce adeclaration from the Syariah Court beforethe NRD will delete the word “Islam”from an applicant’s identity card.

Chief Justice of the Federal CourtTun Ahmad Fairuz Sheikh Abdul Halimsaid leave was allowed because a novelissue of public importance was raised.

The appeal will be confined to threemain issues:

• Whether the NRD was legallyentitled to require someone to producea certificate or a declaration or an orderfrom the Syariah Court before deleting“Islam” from an applicant’s identity card;

• Whether the NRD has correctlyconstrued its powers under the NationalRegistration Regulations 1990 to imposethe above requirement when it is notexpressly provided for in the regulations;

• Whether the landmark case SoonSingh vs Perkim Kedah – which held thatSyariah Courts have the authority overthe civil courts to hear cases of Muslimsrenouncing their religion – was correctlydecided. The court has yet to fix a datefor the hearing.

Pray for the right judges to beappointed to hear Lina’s case. Pray thatjudges will uphold the supremacy of thesecular law and have an open mind ininterpreting the law. Pray for God tostrengthen Joy that indeed, she will haveunspeakable joy amidst her trial.

Malaysians should expect race relationsto get more complicated as mixedmarriages and conversions becomewidespread in a multi-racial society,Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri NajibRazak said.

However, there is nothing to bealarmed about as long as all parties planfor it and consult each other in findingremedies, the New Straits Times reportedon April 4.

The DPM cited the case of Everestclimber M. Moorthy as a recent issuewhere racial tensions were heightened butin the end resolved calmly.

Echoing the PM’s stand, he said, “Wewill look at everything without having toamend the Constitution. This is theprinciple.”

Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawihas stated that the contentious Article121(1A), which separates the jurisdictionof the Syariah court from civil courts,will not be amended.

Meanwhile, a minister has said thatthe Government may make it compulsoryfor non-Muslims who convert to Islamto inform their family to prevent a tusslefor their remains after their death. Thisand the question of maintenance, custodyand the division of assets involvingconverts were among several issues beingscrutinised by the Attorney-General’sChambers, which had been appointedto look into the relevant laws and makerecommendations to the Government toensure fair and just solutions for both theconvert and his civil-law family.

Pray for the AG and his team whoare “fine-tuning” measures to ensurejustice for all parties in contentious issuesinvolving Muslim and non-Muslimparties. Pray that God will grant themwisdom and a sense of urgency tospeedily complete their delicate task.

Expect morecomplicatedrace relations

Current Concernsfor your prayers


The government will use the Sedition Actagainst non-Muslims who “incite thesentiments” of Muslims, warned Ministerin the Prime Minister’s DepartmentMohd Nazri Abdul Aziz, according to aMalaysiakini report.

Speaking to reporters after receivinga memorandum in support of theamended Islamic Family Law (IFL) atthe Parliament building on March 20, hesaid the government has however noplans to draft a law to prohibit non-Muslims from raising matters orquestions related to Islam.

“This is a harmonious country andwe respect one another, especially onreligious matters....Non-Muslims shouldunderstand there are some matters thatthey cannot touch or utter,” he said.

He argued that Muslim Malaysianshave never interfered in or ridiculed otherreligions, and that non-Muslims shouldtherefore apply similar principles inmatters involving Islam.

Pray that the minister’s remarks arenot misinterpreted. Pray that those whoare working towards improving the livesof people, including Muslims, will havethe courage to continue speaking againstinjustice.

An alternative governing system similarto the powerful Italian Mafia will one dayreplace the existing government ifcorruption continues to thrive, warnedMegat Najmuddin Khas, president ofMalaysian Institute of CorporateGovernance and Federation of PublicListed Companies.

A Malaysiakini report on April 24quoted him as saying the legitimate orderof business will “be swallowed up” by agrowing underground economy spurred

The PM has directed the police force toget rid of “bad apples” or take actionagainst them to regain the public’s trustand respect, The Sun reported on April17. At the same time, he called for astop to police bashing, saying it wasn’tfair to penalise the entire police forcebecause of a few bad hats.

The public’s perception that the policeis corrupted is not without substance.“Macam mana nak tolong?” (How canI help?) has often been spewed bypolicemen fishing for bribes that thephrase has become synonymous with thepoliceman.

Let us diligently pray for the policeforce as it attempts to purge itself of thetoxin in its system. Pray that citizens willsee that it is their duty to stop corruptionby not giving bribes. Corruption is a two-way traffic. If there is no giver, the cyclewill soon cease.

Mafias inMalaysia

ReligiousSensitivities

by corruption.“Gambling is among the top three

industries within this alternative economywhich competes with the real economy.During the last World Cup, Malaysia wasthe seventh biggest betting nation on theplanet with illegal bookies making a kill,further enriching the local Mafia,” he saidat a forum cum dialogue organised bythe Malaysian Integrity Institute (MII) inKuala Lumpur.

He also cited Malaysia’s notoriety asthe biggest exporter of illegal CDs, videoCDs and DVDs. “Prime MinisterAbdullah Ahmad Badawi...is trying hardto fight corruption. But he’s all alone andhe can’t do it by himself.”

Pray there will be no let-up in the fightagainst corruption. Pray for the media tocontinue highlighting issues on corruptionso that the anti-corruption battlecontinues to be visible and burn theconscience of politicians, civil servants,businessmen and everyone else.

Rev. Jayaraj Devadason Sundram, 43,coordinator of the Perak PastorsFellowship, was found dead on April 6.Police ruled he committed suicide andfound three notes that explained how hehad stood guarantor for four men whotook loans from loan sharks.

The late reverend was said to havesuffered depression for some time.Pastors and leaders carry the weightyresponsibility of caring for the flock.Managing people is a highly stressfulvocation. The late Rev. Jayaraj’s case is astern reminder to us that we need tocontinually uphold our pastors andleaders in prayer and affirmation.

Pray for God’s comfort and peaceto be upon the family of the deceased,that they will stand firm in their faith andexperience God’s unconditional love andloving Christian support during this timeof grief.

Pastor commitssuicide

Remove badcops

Malaysians were stunned when the PMcalled off the “scenic bridge” projectthree weeks after works begun.

The RM620 million-bridge was toreplace the causeway linking Malaysia andSingapore. The Government now has topay compensation, reported to be in thesum of RM100 million, to the contractorwho has been awarded the road projectfrom the CIQ (Customs, Immigrationand Quarantine) complex to the currentcauseway.

Parliamentarians fear thegovernment’s decision to scrap the bridgeproject would render the RM1.2 billionCIQ complex a white elephant. Pray forthe Government to be prudent inspending taxpayers’ money.

Pray that God will place righteouspeople to be in charge of the nation’sfinances.

Wise spending

Current Concernsfor your prayers


Christian couples without children of their own and even older single women with strong

maternal disposition who are financiallystable should be encouraged to adoptchildren.

The main concern for the adoptiveparents is that the child may one daydiscover that he is an adopted child andmay face an identity crisis. However, thisneed not be the case if the child is loved,cherished and brought up as if he wasthe natural born child.

Where there is no discrimination intreatment between a child of themarriage and the adopted child, theadopted child will feel secure, loved andaccepted in the family. In many instancesthe fear that the adopted child will tracehis roots and locate his natural parents to

By VICTORIA Y.K. NG (Vicky)

the point of forsaking his adoptiveparents is unfounded.

In fact it would be advisable to letthe child know (when he is at an age tounderstand) that he is a special child,hand-picked, chosen and loved by mumand dad so much so that they chose toadopt him. To my mind this voluntarydisclosure would be less traumatic forthe child than for him to discover lateron “by accident” that he is adopted.

Honesty and transparency in dealingwith the issue at the outset will probablywin the respect and devotion of theadopted child. There is no need to coverup. Children are innately sensitive and theyknow when they are loved and cherished

by their adoptive parents and treated asif they were natural born.

There are orphans, abused andunwanted children out there who longto grow up in a wholesome, warm andloving family environment.

Childless couples and mature singlewomen who love the Lord and whohave the means of support are in an idealposition to lavish their love, care andnurture on these otherwise neglectedchildren. It is a long-term investment inthese young lives that will surely reaprewards in eternity.

For what greater legacy can a Christianparent leave behind than children that love,follow and serve the true and living God.

Vicky is a practising lawyer, deaconess and Vice-Chairman of Interserve Malaysia.In the next issue, she will talk about the legal procedures involved in adoption. Herstory below clearly shows the importance of knowing the laws and abiding by them.

PATRICK AND AI NI (not their real names) have beenmarried for five years. The couple longed for a child tohold and cherish, but Ai Ni was unable to conceive.

Ai Ni had consulted numerous gynaecologists anddecided that she should go for fertility treatment. If thingsdid not work out, the couple considered adopting a childfrom China or even Vietnam.

Just as she was a month into her fertility treatment, awell- meaning friend introduced her to a stranger, oneMadam Wong, who was an old hand at arranging childrenfor adoption but at a price!

Most of her contacts were single mothers pregnant outof wedlock. She promised Ai Ni that she would take careof all the details – procure a child for adoption, obtain therelevant birth certificate complete with a MyKid to bootwith minimum hassle!

Why even Patrick and Ai Ni would be spared a face-to-face encounter with the natural parents of the child. Evenbetter, when the child grew up she will never know that shewas an adopted child! Madam Wong’s proposal was justtoo good to resist. It would be a dream come true for the

couple. But little did they realise that the transaction theywere about to enter into would be tainted with illegalityfrom the start and lead to complications later on. The wholeexercise was actually fraudulent!

Three months into the illegal adoption, baby Cheriebrought so much joy and fulfillment to the whole family.She was indeed a treasure and bundle of endless delight.

Patrick and Ai Ni decided to take her for a holiday toMelbourne to meet her brother and family. So, they tookbaby Cherie to the Immigration Department to apply foran international passport.

At the department, the officer took one look at babyCherie, and knew something was amiss. She didn’t quitelook like her parents and certainly her complexion was muchdarker than her purported parents. He was suspicious.

When Patrick and Ai Ni were quizzed, they struggledto provide credible answers (in fact they were forced to lieas one lie invariably leads to another).

The officer was not persuaded. Instead, he referred themto the National Registration Department and the couple isnow under investigation by the relevant authorities.

Ignorance of Laws Leads to Heartbreak


One of the dancers from America executesan acrobatic move in the air. Audience canexpect lots of such action at the concert.

“East Meets West” Dance Concert? Date: July 17 (Monday)? Place: MCA Main Auditorium, Kuala Lumpur

THE NECF Foundation is organising adance concert, which is expected to bean electrifying, first-of-its-kind concert inMalaysia as it features four Christian dancecompanies – two from America, onefrom the Philippines and one fromMalaysia.

Themed “East Meets West”, theconcert will marry “the excellence of theeast” and “the best of the west” topresent a message of beauty, hope andjoy. The concert is held to celebrate thefoundation’s second anniversary andNECF is honoured to have SelahRepertory Dance Theatre and Ad Deum

Dance Company (America); KaloobDance Theatre (the Philippines); andChristian Dance Fellowship of Malaysiawhich is co-organising the event.

Entrance to the concert is by invitationwith a donation of RM50 per invite.

Contact NECF office at 03-77278227 to get your invitation cards.

THE 2nd national Children’s PrayerConference will be held during the schoolholiday for children aged five to 12.

The theme “Why Me?” is taken fromJeremiah 1:5 and will help the youngparticipants’ to hear God’s voice, knowHis purposes and do them.

There will also be a special session onthe Holy Spirit. All teaching sessions willbe conducted by Pr Sam Phun who hasover 22 years of experience working withchildren in churches and schools.

The conference, organised by theNECF Malaysia Prayer Commission, willend with a prayer rally where the childrenwill spend time interceding for thenation. The registration fee of RM25includes meals, materials and a specialdoorgift.

National Prayer ConferenceMeanwhile, this year’s National PrayerConference and rally (adults) will movestage from the Klang Valley to JohorBaru to benefit our brethren in southPeninsular Malaysia.

The speakers is Bishop EfraimTendero (national director of thePhlippines Council of EvangelicalChurches).

More details in the next issue.

Children’s PrayerConference & Rally

? Date: Aug 21–22 (Mon. & Tues.)? Place: PJEFC, Heritage Centre, Section 13, Petaling Jaya

THE NECF Malaysia PrayerCommission has decided to focus thisyear’s 40-Day National Fast and Prayeron the nation and government.

Hence, this year’s prayerbooklets will guideparticipants in intercedingfor the various government

departments, state governments andnational issues such as corruption, nationalunity and AIDS. Like the past years, thebooklets come in the four majorlanguages – English, Bahasa, Chinese andTamil, whereas the children version isavailable in English, Bahasa and Chinese.Churches are encouraged to make theirbooklet orders early to avoid last-minutedelivery problems.

Prayer Booklets

CATCH the world’s oldest oceanpassenger ship which also carries theworld’s largest floating bookstore withhalf a million books covering 6,000 titles.

Built in 1914 and just two yearsyounger than the Titanic, the ship’s visitthis time around will focus on Christianyouths – challenging them to a deeperrelationship with God and inspiring themwith a greater passion for evangelism andmission.

Contact Penang: 012-9766435 [email protected]; PortKlang: 012-9766702 [email protected]

Doulos Sailing In? Penang: June 7–13? Port Klang: June 28–July 31? Pasir Gudang: Aug 3–16? Kuantan: Aug 17 to 28


P a h a n g

STATISTICS (MALAYSIASTATISTICS DEPARTMENT, 2005)

Population: 1,427,000 (est.)Ethnic groups: Malay 68.68%, Chinese16.22%, Other Bumiputera 4.8%, Indian 4.65%,Others 0.67%, Non-citizens (Indonesians)4.98%

Religious Breakdown (2000):Islam 73.8%, Buddhism 13.7%, Tribal 3.4%,Christianity 1.2%, Hinduism 4.4%, Taoism/Confucianism 2.5%, Others 1%

Incidence of poverty (2004): 4%,Hardcore 1%

?

PAHANG, the largest state in thePeninsular Malaysia, is home to many ofthe country’s major tourist attractions,including Taman Negara (the country’slargest national park), Tasik Bera and TasikChini, and the three highlands – GentingHighlands, Cameron Highlands andFraser’s Hill. Tourism remains the state’smain earner.

Islamisation, Religious Freedom andRightsApostasy or murtad (a Muslim renouncinghis faith) is a punishable offence accordingto section 185 of the Administration ofthe Religion of Islam and the MalayCustom of Pahang Enactment 1982, andPahang Islamic Family Law Enactment1987.

The penalty is a fine not exceedingRM5,000 or imprisonment notexceeding three years and whipping ofno more than six strokes. The state alsoenacted in 1989 laws to control andrestrict the propagation of non-Islamicreligions among the Muslims. However,these laws have thus far not beenenforced.

The Syariah law covers a wide rangeof activities to outlaw what is considered

immoral behaviour and ‘unislamic,’including religious teachings that areregarded as deviations from themainstream.

In February 2005, 95 deviant groupswere identified by the state government.Actions were taken against 73 groups.The sentence handed down by thePahang Syariah Court that June surprisedmany as it was the first time in MalaysianSyariah history that Muslims weresentenced to caning for consumingalcohol. Ironically, there were noprovisions for the manner of executionwith caning. The offenders were alsofined RM5000 each.

This February, 65 students of asecondary school in Temerloh weredisciplined for not wearing the school-approved headscarves. Responding tothe incident, the Minister of Educationaffirmed the public that wearing thetudung (headscarf) was a matter of choice.

Observers have said that the trend inrecent years not only expressed thereligiosity of the state authorities, but alsoindicated that “the religious bureaucracywas taking for granted the constantproclamation of Malaysia being anIslamic country.” Others believed thatthe authorities were under increasingpressure to follow religious laws as thepolitical parties strove to prove theirIslamic credentials.

Such religious fervour has spilled overto communities of other faiths, eventhough the relationship among all religiousgroups is generally amicable. The OrangAsli (OA) community seems to be mostaffected.

In September 2003, an OA churchbuilding in Kampung Pasu, Temerloh,was demolished by the district Land

Office. (The Federal Government approved inOctober 2005 a lump sum to compensate theKampung Pasu Christians and a new churchwas built.). The Sungai Ruai OA Christiansin Raub received a notice demandingthem to tear down their ‘illegal’ churchor face penalty of RM10,000 fine or one-year imprisonment or both. The Semelaipeople’s place of worship in KampungGanoh, Rompin, was also issued with asimilar order in May 2004.

Other than matters of religiousfreedom, the OA community also faceslong-term contention with the stategovernment on land issues. Intensiveharvesting for timber has not only causedan industrial slowdown and majorenvironmental damage, it has alsoimpinged on the livelihood of the OAvillagers. Logging companies continue toencroach on their ancestral land.

In 2003, a group of OA was arrestedfor attempting to block logging trucksfrom entering their land. (It was thenreported that they were released on bail, and thelogging project was cancelled.) Last year, theSemoq Beri people had their landencroached upon by another highwayproject.

For many years, the OA communityof Kampung Bukit Rok and KampungIbam have locked in a scuffle with theauthorities over logging on their land.They finally won the battle after the recentApril meeting with the authorities.

Mismanaged tourism development inthe famous Tasik Chini has adversely

• SEE NEXT PAGE

THIS year’s Lighting Up Our Nation programme, held in conjunction with Merdeka Day,will focus on praying for our own nation. Berita NECF will highlight in each issue a state forintercession. Last issue, we focussed on Terengganu and in this one, we look at Pahang,a state famous for the three resort mountains and beautiful beach. We hope that theinformation provided through “State Spot” will stir up more passionate intercession.


affected both the lake ecosystem and the livelihood of Jakun people.Although the Chief Minister has vowed to protect the green lung andpush for sustainable development, the uncertainty surrounding OA landownership has made them vulnerable to exploitation.

Social issues and othersIncidents of date rape and consensual sex involving teens havealarmed the state authorities.

Habitual gambling gravely affects the social and family structures,especially of the Chinese community. Drug addiction among theyouth remains a chronic problem, particularly among those whoare under the Felda plantation schemes (April 8, 2005, The StarOnline).

Pray• God’s blessings upon the people that they will know

Him who is the source of serenity.

• Good governance and righteousness for the state

government. Prioritise public interests without fear or

favour.• Greater accountability and better management of the

state funds.• Necessary measures to reverse the environmental

damage and preserve the lakes’ biodiversity values,

effective management of eco-tourism, and sustainable

forestry.• Protect the lifestyle of Orang Asli, education and

empowerment, justice and equal treatment, religious

freedom, land ownership.• Freedom for those who habitually gamble in the

casino, hoping to strike a fortune.

• Freedom from all forms of superstitions and witchcraft.

• All efforts to combat drug abuse among the youth

and successful rehabilitation programs.

• CHURCH: unity; active role in social concerns;

paradigm shift within the Christian community; godly

and servanthood leadership; more workers of

vernacular language and teachers of the Word; relevant

youth outreaches and evangelism; urban churches

come together to support, empower and train OA

leadership and native workers.

Although the state government has earlier refutedSUHAKAM’s claim that it has neglected the wellbeing ofthe OA community, the people continue to live in povertyand remain largely uneducated.

The latest state government statistics show that morethan half of OA students drop out after primary school;11,825 OA families are listed as hardcore poor and3,347 as poor (Jan 26, NST).

Despite its rich natural resources, Pahang was identifiedin Dec 2004 by the Finance Ministry as one of the seven ‘almostbankrupt’ states due to its high financial deficit.

The ChurchMany churches in Pahang are vernacular in nature, particularlyin smaller towns where the majority are of either Presbyterianor Methodist background. There are about 25 churches inKuantan itself, mostly English-speaking, and 10 of which areactively involved in the pastors’ fellowship. Out of the fellowshipemerged the Rapha Children’s home, the only Christian-runhome in Kuantan. The bigger churches here have an averageof 200 or more members.

Churches in Pahang have often complained about insufficientmanpower (lack of full-time pastors and church workers). The

• FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

leadershipcrisis may arise as a resultof the ‘priesthood’ mentality within the Christian community,which leads to a general unacceptability of the function of layleadership. The demand for high living standard may have alsocaused many to shy away from going into fulltime ministries.

In general, churches in Pahang are active in evangelism andable to work well together. Two major hindrances in outreachesappear to be the misperception on Christianity being a ‘whiteman’s religion, and deep-rooted idol and ancestral worship.There is certainly room for improvement in discipleship andleadership training, and that members must move out of thecomfort zone to make an impact in the community.

ON June 4 Sunday, the world will startpraying as the sun rises in the East (Fiji) intheir different time zones until it sets inthe West (USA Hawaii). Throughout theworld, over 200 million Christians willgather in repentance and prayer atstadiums, churches, market squares andother appointed places in the Global Dayof Prayer (GDOP) event.

Even in “closed” countries, Christianswill find creative ways to meet on thisspecial day.

This year, Malaysian Christians will for

the first time join their brethren in thisearth-shaking event organised globally bythe International Prayer Council.

NECF Malaysia is mobilisingMalaysian Christians to gather at thePJEFC, Heritage Centre at 3, Jalan 13/6,Petaling Jaya (same row as Dutch Ladyand UTAR) at 8.00pm.

GDOP was born from“Transformation Africa”, a prayer eventin South Africa in 2001, which saw 45,000Christians gathered at a stadium in CapeTown to pray for their country.

From the rising of the sun to the going down...

Four years later, 155 other nationsthroughout the world join South Africain a global day of prayer on May 15,2005. More than 200 million Christiansparticipated in the event.

Don’t miss out this year’s gathering.


P A L E S T I N E

S U D A N

E U R O P E

SINCE the militant Hamas groupwon the alestinian elections in January,tension has been brewing betweenHamas and the former ruling party, Fatah.

In April, violence clashes and massprotests across Palestinian areas eruptedafter a Hamas leader accused PalestinianPresident Mahmoud Abbas (of the Fatahgroup) of treachery. Palestinians appearto be on the verge of a civil war butboth parties had acted quickly to calmthe hostilities.

Pray for the many people, especiallyour Christian brethren, who are sufferingbecause of the violence. Pray for God’ssovereign will to be accomplished in thistrouble-plagued land.

MORE than 200,000 people in Sudan’sDarfur region are not getting the foodthey need to survive and some 650,000people are beyond the reach of aidworkers. Jan Egeland, United NationsUndersecretary for Humanitarian Affairs,told the Security Council, “We need agovernment that enables us to work anddoes not create obstacles to our work.We need a guerrilla (force) that does notspecialise in hijacking relief trucks andfighting each other and displacing newpeople, which has happened in the pastfew weeks. And we need funding.”

More than two million people havesought refuge in huge camps since thegenocide in 2003. But only 20 percentof relief work in Darfur has been fundedthis year, Egeland said. More than twomillion people have been killed and morethan four million displaced during themost recent 20-year civil war mainlybetween the Sudanese government andblack African tribes.

Pray for God to open doors forfood and aid to reach the suffering, andprotection for all the aid workers.

ACROSS Europe the number ofchildren being born to unmarried coupleshas increased by 600 percent over the past35 years to almost 30 percent of allbabies, according to the Christian ScienceMonitor. For example, in Sweden, 56%of the overall birth is outside of marriage.France follows with 48%; Britain 42%and Germany 28%. (Statistics taken fromthe European Union’s official statistics office atEurostat.)

A majority of the governments acrossEurope, a traditionally Christian-majoritycontinent, seem to simply state that thechanging trend is just a sign of the times.

Dr Peter Brierley of Christian Researchhas stated that if British unions break upmore quickly and more often thanmarriages apply throughout the continent,then the increasing number of single-parent families in Europe will meangovernments will have to rethink policyon a wide range of issues, according tothe Christian Science Monitor.

Particular concerns are the strains thatwill be placed on childcare facilities,employment for single mothers, socialand educational needs of children ofsingle parents. In addition, manyEuropean countries are already strainedby offering state welfare schemes, andthe increase could destabilise the currentsystems.

Pray for churches in these areas to befirm but loving in its stand on the sanctityof heterosexual marriage. Pray forchurches to reach out in love to the needysingle parents.

COPTIC Christians and Muslims haveclashed in Alexandria, Egypt, in Aprilafter a Coptic worshipper was stabbedto death in church. Several others werewounded in attacks at several churches.

Egyptian officials have blamed the

E G Y P T

attacks on extremists, but CopticChristians say the government is notdoing enough to protect them.

According to Dr. Monir Dowoud,president of the International ChristianUnion, Copts in Egypt have been thevictims of severe human rights abusesand oppression for many years.

Several days after the attacks, theEgyptian government announced ithad smashed a terror cell planningterror attacks on tourist targets,a gas pipeline near Cairo as well asMuslim and Christian religious leaders.

But this cell is only the tip of theiceberg. On April 25, a triple bombattack ripped apart a Sinai beach resortat the height of the tourist season, killingat least 24 people and injuring morethan 80, many of them foreigners.Police has arrested several people.

Pray for Egypt’s Church, that theHoly Spirit will give Coptic Christiansboldness to proclaim their faith and themind of Christ to forgive their enemies.Pray the witness of Christians will be tothe glory and praise of God and praythe perpetrators of violence will tire ofcontinual bloodshed and seek the Princeof Peace.

CHURCHES and ministries acrossGermany are gearing up to take part inthe World Cup festivities this June with ahost of evangelistic outreach events tobring the Gospel to thousands offootball fans.

They have united to form a newnetwork which includes national andinternational Christian sports ministriesunder the name of Kickoff2006.

Kickoff2006 will facilitate variousprojects to serve the spiritual needs ofathletes and family members, the visitorsand spectators to Germany and the localresidents during the event. Pray for unityand joy for our German brethren.

G E R M A N Y

Documents

Berita NECF - May-June 2006