Regardless of the results of the Sibu parliamentary by-elections, the reported “special grants” of RM1.75 million to four Methodist churches on the eve of polling day is very troubling to me as a Christian who attends a Methodist church and I am sure to many other Christians.
It is always troubling when a sitting government, regardless of which party, has to resort to dishing out “special grants” to various sections of the constituency involved in an election for the sole purpose of increasing their votability. Such last-minute attempts to be seen as being sympathetic to the concerns and needs of specific sectors of voters is dishonest, insincere and hypocritical. A sitting government which is genuinely sincere would have had a system in place to gauge issues and needs of the respective voters and to have an orderly, transparent, fair and effective way of allocating adequate budget and plans to resolve problems on the ground. It is difficult to see how large sums of public money could suddenly become available or that the people’s needs could suddenly catch the eyes of the powers that be only when election campaigns are on.
The issues, needs and concerns faced by religious communities, Muslim as well as non-Muslim, are there for all to see. If sincerely, fairly and properly dealt with, they would not become election issues. Likewise, issues facing particular ethnic communities or perennial problems and threats such as floods, road conditions, etc. Therefore, last minute “election goodies” and “special grants” are tacit admissions of lack of proper and honest planning and implementation on the part of a sitting government.
Apart from all this, the matter of offering “special grants” to the four Methodist churches in Sibu on the eve of polling day is especially troubling to me on account of the fact that I am a Christian and a member of the Methodist Church, a denomination which among other things have served the people of this country well before its independence in various social fields including education and especially the education of women one of whom was my own mother.
I was saddened and very concerned about comments that were made regarding these “special grants” by concerned citizens who not only care about Sibu and Malaysia but also about the possibility of how this blatantly desperate episode could also affect the churches’ good name. Here are a few samples of such comments:
Jin Chuah: The worry part is RM1.75 million of Federal
allocation has channeled into 4 Methodist churches in
Sibu resulting those christians who yet to cast their votes
may not turn up.
Tan: god is watching SIBU”, but he is helpless with BN’s goodies.
Abang Adek: Like I said last night, God is nothing compared to money. And the Methodist Churches who took the bribes from the BN only prove again to all, that God is nothing compared to money. You PR guys only hope in miracles. Well, the miracle happening today is the miracle of $$$$$$. Money talks, Money walks…
Fairplay Lee: All christian brothers and sisters do not be cheated and wake up and vote for justice and be guided by the holy spirit.
Disappointed: the RM1.75 million Federal Fund channelled to 4 churches is not BN pocket money but rightfully the rakyat’s money. Dont u think the money comes a bit too late. Think Sibuan b4 casting yr votes.
Aca: santa… gives millions to churches and only RM600 per head to poor Ibans. Next round maybe Ibans get RM6,000 per head and RM600 per church. Wonder whether the pastors can be corrupted by the millions?
Kumar. Pg: Dengan rasuah sebanyak RM1.75m,
adakah orang kristian akan meyerahkan maruah
ugama mereka kepada UMNO?
Anil: If you ask me, I don’t think the churches in Sibu should
have accepted those grants during the election campaign period -
even if their followers can still vote as they please. After all, this is
vote-buying and both the buyer and the recipient need to be
responsible (though one can understand the circumstances of those
who desperately need the money). But I don’t think the churches are
in such desperation. They are called to uphold a higher standard and
should set an example to others by rejecting corruption in all its forms.
It would also be a telling lesson to those who offer them the money -
that there are some things that money just cannot buy.
The spot light rightly or wrongly is therefore very much on the Christian Church in Malaysia regardless of denomination or communion. Malaysians are watching us and wondering aloud or silently, waiting to see what we will do under these circumstances, waiting for a clear word from us. This happened in Sibu but its ramifications will be much wider in scope and depth. It is not even just to do with the Christian community as such but how elections are conducted in the country and how we conduct ourselves during elections and at other times.
I respectfully appeal to the churches directly involved in this episode:
If it isn’t true and it didn’t happen, then please say so.
If it is true, offered and received, give it all back.
WE DON’T WANT SUCH MONEY. Let the church be poor (as a church mouse) but
as the Book of Proverbs say, poor but happy keeping a clear conscience.
I also respectfully appeal to all Malaysian churches through the Christian Federation of Malaysia:
Please let us send a clear, unmistakeable and irrevocable message to the country and the world. As citizens and tax-payers we deserve to practise and observe our religious faith in peaceful and orderly fashion and we should get reasonable amounts of resources to enable us to do so. Any sitting government is welcome to sit down with us, discuss and understand in a timely and civil way our religion and our community’s needs and concerns regarding places of worship, burial grounds and our bibles in Bahasa Malaysia as well as how we will continue to serve all Malaysians in need through our social services. Provide the facilities and resources justly due to us but please don’t give us “special grants” only at the eve of by-elections. WE DON’T TAKE SUCH MONEY. No, thank you. Never under such circumstances.
Otherwise, we will be sending the message to the government, present or future, BN or PR, that the church which bears the name of Christ is ever willing to take money under such circumstances: “Make us an offer, we are open to such funding. We encourage electioneering where money is utilised as a means to win votes. Is there a higher bid?”
The Christian Church preaches moral values and standards in all things to all people. It wants to take the moral high ground. It must therefore be subjected to the same high moral standards which it espouses.
We serve a risen saviour whose birth in human form was in a humble manger because there was no room in the inn for his parents. Let us stay true to our calling.
Mechindia
May 17, 2010
I think the church can accept the money but choose not to vote for them or ask to accept the money only after polling day.
Raymond
May 17, 2010
If the money was offered before a by-election was needed, or after the by-election, then that’s good.
But like this, the RM1.75 million has the same value as 30 pieces of silver in Jerusalem before Good Friday
ginaphan
May 21, 2010
Accepting the grant after the elections is OK. I suggest the money be put to use for community projects (with proper and transparent accounting). Project that will benefit the people regardless of race and creed. For example: flood mitigation?
ginaphan
May 21, 2010
Oops, I meant to return the money and then reaccepting it (if the govt makes the same offer) after the elections.
frankie
May 17, 2010
Take the money, vote with conscience, God work in a mysterious way.
richardpoon
May 17, 2010
I once gave a donation to a budhist retreat in Perth, one week later they sent the cheque back yo me!
JSTOM
May 17, 2010
What’s wrong in just saying ‘No, but no thanks’ direct in the face – That should be the Christian transparency way of doing things!
PhilipChan
May 17, 2010
As Christians we are to be ‘salt and light of the world’. Yes, we should not take such money; what more when it is given as an inducement to do somethng that may be against our God directed thoughts and actions.
May we, as Christians be found ‘walking in HIS way’.
phyllis
May 20, 2010
quite true…but what if the church has been praying for such funds and it came in this manner?…..i may take it if this is so, but the choice of vote is still strictly up to me.
ginaphan
May 17, 2010
JSTOM,
Fully agree
ylc
May 26, 2010
I think probably u f not tried to understand things before u gave the statement. “No, but no thanks” was only spoken when someone gave u sth then u made a choice and said so… but in the issue mentioned, was the government voiced out to offer the money to the churches to win the election and then the churches accepted it? the fact is NO! The churches themselves had applied for the donation for the needs of the church construction and extension according to the formal procedures, the only flaw was the timing was not good! However, the churches didnt ask her believers to vote this vote that, instead the churches prayed for the leaders, prayed for the nations for a better tomorrow. Y cant we speak rationally for the churches? Did you know how the churches had done their best for the church extension or construction for more ppl’s blessings? saying this and tat is easy, but have u put urself in their shoes? things will only get worse when we simply said sth, which will result in more “attacks” and break the union in the churches. Pls make things clear before we speak.
One thing, to me is tat, God comes first before our political mind. u can spend a lot of time saying things in political stand, then u will end up in disappointment too… as regardless which party u support for a better tomorrow on ur own understanding, they r forever imperfect to fulfill all ur wishes. and the most terrible thing is tat when the politics come first God is no longer first and the churches will end up in the hot soup!
Chopin
May 28, 2010
Hi ylc,
I heard that (correct me if I’m wrong) the 4 churches put up an advertisment in newspapers to thank BN for the money given. If this was true, on such timing (i.e. by-election campaingning period), would you still say this is just an ordinary funding and not a political one, and not a bribe?
Chopin
splim
May 17, 2010
Accept the money? Can the church be a party to daylight bribery?
shinwee
May 26, 2010
When will Malaysians, especially the non-malays come to their senses and stop believing the UMNO racist politicians in whatever they say, especially on trying to change and all that jazz?
Never in a million years will those UMNO racist malays ever change – they are a disgrace to their own race and a sorry case for a human being.
Transparency, integrity, dignity?……….give me a break, the UMNO racist morons don’t even know how to spell the words, let alone understand what they mean.
Randy
May 17, 2010
I don’t necessarily feel the grant is a bad idea. It’s somewhat like when God led Israel out of Egypt, the Egyptians disposed favourably on the Israelites. Later, God defeated them at the red sea.
It’s a double win. You can call it a bribe, I call it God’s work in taking from the wicked and supplying His righteous people.
BN should give out more grants. We need to transfer the wealth of BN back to Malaysian hands.
PhilipChan
May 17, 2010
Not when it is given with an intention of inducement to us Christains to take action that may be against our conscience or in a more serious note, against God’s will.
We have to a ‘sould searching’ of our intention in accepting the gift!
steven
May 17, 2010
Yes, grant is not a bad thing.
The issue here is not about the grant. And the passage from Exodus about the Israelites being favourable by the Egyptians is not about election. And it was Moses who told the Israelites to ask their neighbors for silver and gold.
The question is the TIMING of the grant.
How does my neighbor sees my action when I accept such ‘token’ at a time when someone is asking for my vote.
ginaphan
May 17, 2010
If it is God’s providence, it would smell a lot better.
If there is a need to justify, then there already is something wrong with it.
ginaphan
May 17, 2010
I am a Christian.
The church should say that they will not accept the money since it was offered before the by-election. But if the offer is still good after the by-election, then yes, it should accept since it is tax-payers money, entrusted to the government of the day to do the right thing with it.
God provides before and after by-elections.
Sam01
May 17, 2010
Well said my brother in Christ.
As a Christian, it would be a grave sin to vote for the very regime that suppresses us.
They steal and burn our Bible and prevent us from calling our God Allah.
Now they want our vote. Its like buying our soul!!
It is like voting for Pontius Pilate for crucifying Christ.
Every Pastor worth his salt should have warned his flock against voting for BN. Did they do that? If not , they had failed Christ and his Church.
ylc
May 26, 2010
i just wanna share my personal opinion on this issue, hopefully as neutral as possible…as at the moment, i cant vote either.
1. Timing is definitely wrong. This will lead to a lot of misunderstandings and create unnecessary uneasiness.
2. It happened already. More focus is to face it with an open heart and surrender it to God. Let God decide. Pray more for the churches.
3. From the comments, seemed negative ones outweigh the supporting ones, but i suspected whether the ones who left negative comments were influenced by emotions or not, or… they have really investigated the issue, especially the procedures of applying for the donation…
4. I found that a lot of Christians have been affected by kind of politic-related “extremism” and “emotion” (either for BN or opposition party) until they f forgotten to stand on the truth, until they supported blindly on certain party and not neutrality…
5. Just wanna say, if u let ur political emotion lead ur words, u support a political party just because u feel sth till u will fight for the party, speak for the party, THEN at the END… u will not speak for GOD!!! AT THE END, u will get disappointed too as they are humans who are not perfect to fulfill ur every wish, and u f spent so much time to speak for them, stand for them, ONE DAY , u v b regretted why dun u spend more time for God and His work!!!
6. It’s unfair to say it is wrong before we make things out clearly.
7. Dont simply call it a “bribe” before any proper investigation as we are not GOD. Whether the competing party did have such an intention or not, but the important one v b the churches… if they DONT f the intention, but just for the good of the churches, still it is not a “bribe”. The donations which are used for church extension is for more people’s needs. Who r u to say so firmly that it’s not God’s work? Who are u to create more stress and separation rather than union? Since u r not involving urself at all in the extension of the churches mentioned!!!
8. Nehemiah got the support from the government of his time for God’s work.
9. Plssss… the things had happened… it was the government who agreed to support church construction and extension and the procedures…did the churches ask her believers to vote for the party who offered the donation? If not, have u made the things out b4 u judged?
10. Did u know that all the mosques and suraus are built mostly using the government’s money? but still the Muslims can vote on their own. So do the churches who accepted the money.
Last, i hope we pray for the union in churches… Dont break it bcoz of our political mind and our fast judgement.
God sees and let Him guide. the application for donation, if it was following a proper procedure, and the churches didnt ask the believers to vote for the donating party, then pls dun call it a “bribery” anymore!!! if u insist,… it’s the matter btw u n God.
Judas’ intention was for his own good, Pilate too…but probably not the churches who accepted the donation for their extensions, which are for more people’s needs.
U never know how God works, but we always know that we need to love one another, speak for justice. Instead of judging, show a good example first starting fr ourselves, PRACTISE(instead of merely speaking) our life which will glorify God’s Name!
Spend more time for God.
albert chai
May 29, 2010
Dear YLC,
Nehemiah received King Darius support for his testimony and example and not to get his Vote or support.
We cannot go and justify and wrong when you know that the whole motive behind is wrong. If you take the money, you are taking with a condition that you must vote for whomever gives you the money. In this case, the government makes it clear that you must vote for them while they give you the money. Then the government has been preaching no money politics and they will put you to court if you they ever found you doing so. But when they went against their word, they have bribed people so openly, even the court deliberately delay or ignore such terrible action. The government “did agree” to support these churches but ONLY during election time and this has been their tactics and only tactics at every election. “Hey, I am now giving you a sweet, make sure you give me your life”. Though this is a little exaggerated but the fact is a fact.
A true leader will not go around during election and give money “donation” while reminding them “Vote For Me”. A true leader shares their dreams and visions and plans to their people. What they are doing indicates that they have no visions and plans but only exposing their corrupt character.
Pilate intention has never been good at all. He openly declared that Jesus is innocent yet he delivered Him to be crucified. He was not interested righteousness or justice but in keeping his power. It is better to sacrifice Jesus and keeping his power intact.
Finally, you can never see in the Bible that God works through a corrupted heart and motives. God is righteous and just. Therefore His ways too are righteous and just.
amoker
May 17, 2010
Am also a Christian.
Lets call spade a spade. If it is given as part of allocation plan, accept. In this situation, it is a bribe. Church needs to give that back.
Other churches will come and help with the expenses.
On a separate issue, Rm600K was also given to organisations such as Perkim. I think they would need to ask the same question.
abu sayab
May 17, 2010
The ordinary Rakyat will suffer as long as UMNO is still in power.They have rob and rape the wealth of Sabah and Sarawak for too long.I appeal to all Malaysians especially the people of Sabah and Sarawak to wake up and say no to UMNO/BN in the next G.E.
We have done so in the Peninsular we need your support.May God bless you!
Viva Pakatan Rakyat!!
Fairplay
May 17, 2010
It’w depend on what is transpired during the giving of grants. The giving should not be in the form of bribery : “I give you something, you do something for me”. The government owes its duty to the citizens to meet the needs of the population who pay taxes to enable the functioniong of the populace. I agree with you that the church leaders should make a clear stand on their actions so that they can be the salt and light of the earth. We cannot be bribe to vote for someone that do not practice moral values.
Albert
May 18, 2010
I was born in sibu and I know Datuk Robert Lau (we were school mates in Sacred Heart) and Datuk Dr. Wong Soon Kai. Both of them were Methodist.
But what the BN did on the eve of the election is trully despicable, unethical and smells of corrupt practice. The church must not be tainted by this subtle way to being bribed by the government or it cannot speak with a clear conscience on behalf of its flock.
The ploy of the BN is to spilt the church members and the christian community. It is so blatantly obvious only the BN government doesnt see it. Or was it done on purpose to rule and divide…
I am glad the voters in Sibu smelled the plot.
Faz
May 17, 2010
It is not right to accept the grants because of the circumstances in which it was offered. Even non-Christians see it as a blatant bribe so in line with the instruction of Scripture in 1 Cor 10:23-24, please do not accept the grants. Doing so would stumble others.
What about receiving the grant after the by-election? To answer this question, it’s best to ask 2 questions, “Has the grant changed from being a bribe to being a genuine donation from the government after the by-election?” and “Would accepting it after the by-election stumble anyone?”
Assuming the grant has not been taken and is still available after BN’s loss, then the Methodist Church denomination must seek the Lord and Scripture to decide whether to accept or not.
Personally, I feel the churches should not accept it even after the by-election because the grant has been tainted in the eyes of people.
ginaphan
May 21, 2010
You’ve got a point.
lembu susu
May 17, 2010
For a bribery offense, both the giver and taker are responsible. As a Christian, and as a church, the Methodist churches should return the money. Yes, tho’ the money belongs to the rakyat, it has been given with bribing intention. It is ‘duit haram’ and not ‘duit halal’. If you accept the money without voting BN, it is explicit you have not fulfill your part of bargain…..and it will incur their wrath; because the money is not ‘free’. It comes with a clear intention. I agree, it is better to be poor than to accept the money.
Netizen
May 17, 2010
Wise words indeed! Using money to influence voters is against election law. The E.C. may not do anything about it, but we Christians can. We can set an example and at the same time send a message to those who engage in this form of corruption that we don’t condone and we will not be a part of it. The churches of Malaysia should come together and agree as a group on a policy to not accept these sort of things during or just before elections. Schools should do the same to set an example to the young and impressionable minds within. I hope the churches of Sibu and the Chinese school in Hulu Selangor will give the money back as first step.
jonathan
May 17, 2010
As a Christian it is humiliating to use money to get my vote or bargain with God!
Never has any Prime Minister been so bold to use the voters as pawns to his political ambition, dangling money in front of the citizens, making them like beggars! In fact he makes himself sounding like 1Desperate Beggar or a 1Malaysia Beggar leader. And the people are turned into beggars in the processing of this 1Beggaring!
Voters must reject this 1Conditional Prime Minister and Government. A responsible government will give when the people needs it irrespective if they are under an opposition representative. This enticement is a mockery to even the 1Malaysia concept making it a ‘give me what I want first before people first’! see rest in http://www.yah-meh.blogspot.com.my
Wisdom from above
May 17, 2010
” Bribe ” means giving Monies expecting favours in return ! It is tainted and it is a SIN to accept the monies. Because it will tip the weighing scale to benefit the givers! However well one may argue to justify its acceptance, to covet such Monies will only Bring Spiritual Death ! “If You do not repent you will surely perish ” like those from of Old as in biblical times!
Anakbanjar
May 17, 2010
I am a Muslim. Muslims like Christians and other religions, abhor corruption.
ongohing
May 17, 2010
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
May 17, 2010
Churches in Malaysia need to make a stand. It’s not about pocket money and vote others. It’s about making stand against corruption. Are we ready?
Anglican
May 17, 2010
Remember when salt loss its saltiness, it will be cast out !
SAJ
May 17, 2010
Excellent piece.
This is truly a wakeup call to all Anak Bangsa Malaysia.
All of us must conduct our lives based on a set of immutable principles, whatever our faith.
Thank you for the courage in standing up for your principles.
Jaya
ongohing
May 17, 2010
Thank you, good friend. For your example, courage and clearness of mind. Yes together all Anak Bangsa Malaysia can and shall make the difference. Goh KP
Roland Selvanayagam
May 17, 2010
Thank you for speaking out.
This was exactly my sentiment last night when I spoke to my wife about this.
Such money, if received should be returned. In all likelihood, the source of that money itself may be questionable.
The burden on the recepients would have been such that it would be almost imposssible for them to go out and vote.
Wonder if that indeed was the intent.
Haris Ibrahim
May 17, 2010
Mr Goh,
It is an honour and a privilege to know you and count you as a friend.
msan
May 18, 2010
I say take the money, but on condition that all the money can be used to elevate the flood situation in Rejang Park. Najib promised the residents of Rejang Park that they will only get the allocation if BN wins.
God works in myterious ways and I believe He would want us to help our fellow Malaysians in their hour of need.
msan
May 18, 2010
should be….. . alleviate the flood situation in Rejang Park.
NurChahaya
May 18, 2010
Definitely, return the money – to its rightful owners.
In this case, a good amount of monies dished out for election campaigning is under the guise of the 1Malaysia Development Fund, which came from the Terengganu Investment Authority.
Spread the money back to the really poor people of Terengganu….
Lanny chen
May 19, 2010
The Churches should not be corrupted and I hope the leaders of the churches in Sibu realised that. Our God cannot be corrupted.
Support Goh Keat Peng in his writings,…
Jamie Khoo
May 21, 2010
Its not about soul searching whether it is right or not, neither is it about merely taking what belongs to us.
It is about doing what appears to be righteous to others.
If 1 Cor. 10:14-32 says don’t eat meat offered to idols if it stumbles others….
Likewise, don’t take the money if it has the potential to stumble others.
saymoreloh
May 26, 2010
The church leaders should know 1Co 8:1-13, eat or not to eat == take$$ or not to take$.
1Co 8:1 Now concerning things sacrificed to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but love edifieth.
1Co 8:2 If any man thinketh that he knoweth anything, he knoweth not yet as he ought to know;
1Co 8:3 but if any man loveth God, the same is known by him.
1Co 8:4 Concerning therefore the eating of things sacrificed to idols, we know that no idol is anything in the world, and that there is no God but one.
1Co 8:5 For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or on earth; as there are gods many, and lords many;
1Co 8:6 yet to us there is one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we unto him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and we through him.
1Co 8:7 Howbeit there is not in all men that knowledge: but some, being used until now to the idol, eat as of a thing sacrificed to an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.
1Co 8:8 But food will not commend us to God: neither, if we eat not, are we the worse; nor, if we eat, are we the better.
1Co 8:9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to the weak.
1Co 8:10 For if a man see thee who hast knowledge sitting at meat in an idol’s temple, will not his conscience, if he is weak, be emboldened to eat things sacrificed to idols?
1Co 8:11 For through thy knowledge he that is weak perisheth, the brother for whose sake Christ died.
1Co 8:12 And thus, sinning against the brethren, and wounding their conscience when it is weak, ye sin against Christ.
1Co 8:13 Wherefore, if meat causeth my brother to stumble, I will eat no flesh for evermore, that I cause not my brother to stumble.
Bennett Malayapillay
May 25, 2010
Mr Goh, – Grateful for your clear, reasoned non-provocative stand. Grateful, too, for Kirpal, Kit Siang, Zahid seeking a court ruling on the distribution of such gifts during a byelection.
Deeply saddened by an equivocal “pragmatic” pastoral letter of the leader of a mainline church testing the wat3ers, as it were, when a reasoned and non- provacative stand on the morality of dispensing such gifts in such circumstances would have clearly dealt with the moral relativism so fashionable in the secular arena. I am sure it is not just a matter of timing, as it is claimed. Don’t the intentions, so explict, matter? You give me hope that all is not lost.
bennett
Eddie Wong
May 25, 2010
You are undermined the Methodist and Christian in Sarawak, at least we have share the gospel to more than 42% of people in our state. How many you have shared and bring them to Christ?
We accept the money on the fact that it the money from government not money from a party or UMNO or SUPP or PBB or PBS or SPDP or etc. The acceptance of grant did not influence our decision to vote for SUPP or DAP (which the result shows) as we have praying for the right people to be in Parliament or State Assembly. We have our judgment before the election come, let us show you what we will do in next state election. We will be the king maker, we are praying for united heart in next state election. Will you kneel and pray with us in Sibu Town Square at 5am?
There may be traditional voter that love local party but most are different now as we can judge and decide based on our own analysis and wisdom from God through prayer.
I am sure you will make a different if you can share gospel with 42% of your state population and be a king maker. Visit one of your friend (non christian) every week to share the love of Jesus Christ, then you will make a different.
albert chai
May 29, 2010
Mr. Eddie,
Praying hard and sharing the gospel does not give you any rights to take money which you say is from the government. They have given you a clear condition when you take the money “VOTE FOR ME” CLAUSE. It would make you as wicked and as untrustworthy to take such money and then say, “I can vote anyone as I please”. Dare you say this to Najib when you take this money?? Never try to justify a wrong because the motive and the condition for giving this money “in the name of Government” is so clear that you know you owed them a vote.
Our God don’t bless his children in such election time because such offer is conditional and with wrong motive.
San
May 25, 2010
The real extremists and terrorists in multiracial Malaysia are born, bred and indoctrinated by none other than Umno, especially under the reign of Mahathir.
yuking
May 25, 2010
Malaysians must wake up now and kick BN out from the federal government. If Malaysians dreaming about BN can change, it will be a disaster for Malaysia. I don’t want to mention all the wrongdoings of BN – it will be a long list that this page will never able to feed in.
jodie
May 25, 2010
Is the language diversity in our educational system a stumbling block to so-called national unity? Despite the insistence of this idea by the self-interested ruling elite, it is simply wrong.
And the common use of English did not stop Americans from fighting Britons in the War of Independence. And let us not forget the American Civil War – both sides spoke English.
And to the contrary, we see Europeans of different mother tongues coming together in a democratic manner to forge a united continent in the form of the multilingual European Union with common standards of human rights, governance and democracy.
English-speaking people with different mother tongues are also now living peacefully in five different sovereign and independent countries namely the United States, Canada, Britain, Australia and New Zealand.
It is time for the Malaysia ruling elite and their ideologues to stop spreading the voodoo of that language diversity hampers national unity.
The root cause of national disunity is none other than the existence of race-based political parties like UMNO, MIC and MCA, which perpetuate race-based affirmative action policies and which only benefit the upper class BN gangs and their sons, daughters and cronies.
ruyom
May 25, 2010
UMNO is only good at spinning and deceiving the people, in particular the malays. The younger generation of malays now are smarter than their forefathers. The smart malays are shying away from UMNO because UMNO has deceived them for far the last 30 years. UMNO has brought harm onto themselves.
lee
May 26, 2010
I look down those people…..God will punish them….
nam
May 26, 2010
Praise to God……He show us the betrayer !
Praise to God……He show us the greedy heart !
Praise to God…………………………………………………..
lee
May 26, 2010
GOD just wanted to test their faithfully,who know they are so……………cheap !!!
Anyway god will forgive them even though they are selfish, even though they are so stupid, even though they are so greedy, even though they are nothing….but i don’t think we should forgive them. I don’t think all christian should forgive them…
YAMalaysian
May 26, 2010
My personal view on this matter, get real!
I feel funny to see the word “betrayer” being tag here, what’s wrong with you guys?
What’s wrong with the donation if it can do good?
What’s wrong with holding strong “Christian-ship” here to say no to dirty money?
What’s wrong with cheap or expensive here?
What’s wrong with GOD will forgive those who sin and all Christian shouldn`t?
What’s wrong with Christian and non-Christian?
Nothing wrong except “feeling” is wrong here but don`t get too emotion with your feeling as it can easily lead to the path of extremist-which is having too strong feeling toward certain thing and act upon it without consider about others.
Get real.
For me, I will take the donation and make good use of it.
Returning donation for a good purpose is something rude in my opinion.
The money is in form of bribery?
Unless BN need promises from those receiving donation to vote for them before giving out the donation (condition attached), then that is a 100% NO as it is like the “you help me, I help you, deal or no deal” case.
In this case, personally I don`t really classified this as “bribery” because i do not see any promises or actions required before the churches can receive the donation.
Imagine this, another by-election come, BN comes and promises to build schools, roads, donates millions to schools, churches, mosques, temples. Everyone suddenly stands on their principles and say no to all donation during by-election because it is wrong timing, bribery form of donation…etc.
I really like to see this day come because it means:
1. Everyone in the state is spiritually rich and living GOD’s words. or
2. The state is really rich and have enough roads, schools and funds for development.
Get real people.
I think everyone here is pretty real about their feeling.
albert chai
May 29, 2010
Dear YAMalaysian,
The message you are portraying seems to say that only in election will you get some donation. You are not receiving a donation. You are simply selling your rights for such a cheap price in exchange to vote for a corrupt government and after getting your vote, they would scope tons of money of which a part belongs to you and your children.
A true leader will not go around during election and give money “donation” while reminding them “Vote For Me”. A true leader shares their dreams and visions and plans to their people. What they are doing indicates that they have no visions and plans but only exposing their corrupt character. How much do you received from them and how much you stand to lose in the next five years. This is their plan and only plan at every election they can only tell how kind they are by giving some “token” of money which you may termed it as “donations”. But the fact isn’t so. Their motives are clear and simply bribing you. If you dare to take their money, then I challenge to tell the truth in the face of Najib that you will take his money but may not vote for him. Can you or dare you?
lee
May 26, 2010
Get real.
If not election, do you think you will get the donation?
albert chai
May 29, 2010
Dear Lee,
Let’s get real. You are not receiving a donation. You are simply selling your rights for such a cheap price in exchange to vote for a corrupt government and after getting your vote, they would scope tons of money of which a part belongs to you and your children.
blling
May 27, 2010
What makes it more wrong and humiliating is those big “thank you” advertisements in local papers right after that and right before the “buy-election”. Giving the money back may lead to more wrong ussages and wastages. Why not donate the full amount to charity organizations? To tell BN that we don’t want such money and put the money into good use at the same time. Killing 2 birds with one stone.
Chris Ooi
May 28, 2010
I have just read a letter from our bishop Hwa Yong in Malaysiakini “Church is non-partisan, but we’ll keep the money” (28th May). It is a very troubling letter indeed. He was trying to desensitize the whole issue with his spin. Please read the entire letter for context.
He starts with it is a citizen’s right to receive such grants. Fair enough. He continues ‘After all, the money given is actually taxpayers’ money.’ Notice the phrase ‘after all’? Well, after all it is our money so what’s the scruples all about? It’s our money anyway!
He adds ‘Indeed the problem in our country is that most of the money for religious bodies is usually given to one particular religious community, with relatively much smaller proportions given to other communities. In so far as the money was given to the churches this time round, it can be said that the government is trying to right a past wrong.’ Yes, it can be said thus but is it true? Did the government give to other churches as well? What about the church that was not even given water and electricity? Thus I fail to see it as righting a past wrong.
He remarks ‘Further, our churches are not the only recipients. Other religious groups also received similar grants.’ Others received the money, so it’s ok for us to receive it as well? Good excuse but lousy reason.
He insists that the church must be seen to be neutral. ‘Furthermore, the church must also guard against being perceived as being used as a tool by political parties, whether those in government or those in opposition. In light of the above, rejecting the grants given by the government in this instance is not necessarily the solution, because it could be misinterpreted as a rejection of the government in favour of the opposition.’ According to his logic, accepting the grant could be interpreted as supporting the government. No?
ongohing
May 29, 2010
Yes indeed. The headline is misleading, even mischievous. The Methodist Church in Malaysia office should write to Malaysiakini to say so.
splim
May 31, 2010
It baffles me that the bishop should allow his pastoral letter to be published on an online news portal. He must realize that it is unlike Paul’s pastoral letters which are divinely inspired. It just invites wider ridicule and contempt by making it public.
Bennett Malayapillay
May 28, 2010
“There are three ways by which truth beccomes inconsequential. The first is the age-old problem of ignorance which can be removed by education and learning. The second is of more recent vintage, caused by modernity and post-modernity. And the third is perhaps the most sinister, a cynical disregard for truth that springs from self-seeking expediency ………….” from “Truth Matters” published in Clarion.
Re the grants to the churches on the eve of the byelection, into which category could the explanation of poor timing be placed? — ignorance, situational ethics, a cynical disregard for truth, I wonder.
In coming to a conclusion about the morality of an action, whether it is right or wrong, can the motive be irrelevant?
“Justice is turned back
And righteousness has stumbled in the public squares,
And uprightness cannot enter.
Truth is lacking.
And he who departs from evil makes himself a prey”
(quoted in Truth Matters)
Leithaisor
May 30, 2010
Much has been written about Najib’s despicable blatant vote-buying deeds during the Hulu Selangor and Sibu by-elections – the “come and see me for the RM3m cheque if Kamalanathan wins”, similar offer to the Felda scheme folks, and the outright “let’s make a deal. You help me, I help you” Rejang Park in particular.
There is the overall record of Najib, UMNO and BN in general. Who has not heard of Opposition held contituencies being denied their rightful infrastructure and maintenance monies until the roads are pot-holed, for instance? What happened to oil royalties (contractual according to Tengku Razaleigh) when a state government changed? How many times has Mahathir-endorsed Ibrahim Ali (ex-UMNO, ex-Independant, elected as MP March 2008 on PAS ticket but now apparently UMNO-friendly) vocally asked that the government delay or hold back support for the Chinese since they are supporting the Opposition?
There is obviously a culture of considering that, or trying to treat, public funds are something like UMNO’s money. Macam dia punya bapak punya leh.
Worse, during by-elections, such a mindset even extends to openly telling the electorate “let’s make a deal. You help me, I help you”, and using the rakyat’s money – NOT even money from the pocket of Najib, UMNO or BN to boot.
Heck, if I was starving amd such a shameful offer was made to me, I’d throw the money back in their face and rather starve. It is an insult to my integrity.
But the four Methodist churches have reiterated that they still see it right and proper to take up Najib’s offer.
I do not dispute that the money is the rakyat’s to start off with, that there was prior application made, that the church members still voted their conscience, etc.
But to too many, there was and is no dispute that the offer was fatally tainted. I also ask what about all the other needy churches, temples and various houses of worship who have also applied for grants? Why did Najib offer the big money to just the 4 Sibu churches, and so close to voting day? If he was such a caring and generous PM, surely it should have been a wider, if not general, offer ofgrants to all the deserving and needy houses of worship nationwide?
Rev. Hwa Yung and Rev. Goh Keat Peng are both highly respected Christian leaders with sterling reputations. But we are all fallible humans. Also, none of us can claim not to have sinned and erred in various ways,a fact which I continually remind myself about.
In this matter, various viewpoints have been offered, but ultimately, I think we should all be seeking Divine guidance ourselves. Let us earnestly pray for the truth, and let God speak to each of us individually.
Let us also not forget the source of the problem – Najib and his “you help me, I help you” deals. I posted these commentssome time ago on another blog:
I don’t know what the EC and the MACC may
or may not do about this, but I know what i will do.
I will not prostitute myself and sell my vote to a PM
like Najib. I cannot wait for his sorry butt to be
kicked out of Putrajaya.
1MyLee
May 31, 2010
This are the facts. The money is clean because it is taxpayer’s money, not a robber’s loots, or drug money. There were circumstantial evidences that the intention is not clean but only circumstantial evidences, not hard evidence spoken or written in the context of grant to the churches. Any jumping to conclusion (eventhough very likely to be correct) is making an assumption and being judgemental. The church does not have control over the intention of giver of the grant and neither should they made assumption of the intention of the grant giver. But the church have control over how the money was applied for and how they will make use of the money and they should make sure that these are proper. It does not make sense that we should subject ourselves to the intention of the grant giver to decide whether or not we should receive the grant. We can never know what the real intention of the grant giver is, whether the grant is given on the eve of a byelection, during mid term, or before the death of Robert Lau HC. When did politicians ever give grant without any ulterior motives and without wanting to make them popular to entice you to vote for them the next time around. Are you saying then that no body should apply for and receive any grant? Even government subsidies are a form of goodies to make them popular to entice you to vote for them. Did I see you stop buying petrol???? or did you buy (can’t help it, you can’t live without a car.) and then volunteer to pay more tax to return the subsidies? I see opinions expressed by a lot of you were based on your hatred towards BN and thus no longer objective and rational rather than you truly have integrity or are men and women of principles. You may be passinate in your anti BN stand. Keep it to yourself, don’t impose on others. Other people can see things and issues from other angles which are completely legitimate. You are naive to imply that you can expect a totally clean government. Rejecting BN and putting PR to power does not automatically bring in a clean government: PR is equally capable of what BN is doing. I do not imply that I am a BN supporter. I am for changing the political landscape of Malaysia to establish the viability of alternative governments to break political monopoly, so that the power is in electorate’s hands to decide who deserves to be in the ruling. Why should we dance to politicians’ tune? Take the grant which is rightly ours and have the independent mind to vote according to your own choice. This to me is true indenpendence of mind.
Jamie Khoo
June 1, 2010
Like I said, 1MyLee, it is not about what intentions did both parties have. The church is supposed to be a city on the hill, a symbol of righteousness. As such, any matter that can cause the public to doubt the church’s righteousness should be handled with care.
In the same spirit as Paul’s 1 Cor. 10:14-32, we should not accept the money if it has the possibility to cause someone (even if its just ONE person) to stumble. This is the spirit Paul wrote it in. Bringing it back to this issue, if it didn’t cause one to stumble; we wouldn’t be hearing this sort of comment.
“Abang Adek: Like I said last night, God is nothing compared to money. And the Methodist Churches who took the bribes from the BN only prove again to all, that God is nothing compared to money. You PR guys only hope in miracles. Well, the miracle happening today is the miracle of $$$$$$. Money talks, Money walks…”
So, let me ask you, would you rather Abang Adek think the Christian God is nothing compared to money or would you rather decline the RM xxxx (insert whatever amount here)?
—————————–
Such is the difference between that grant to the churches and the subsidies… One causes others to stumble, while the other does not.
—————————–
I think Rev’s comment on Mkini is highly disturbing…. Its really no wonder why after 50 years of independence, we’re still stuck with 70% Muslims in Malaysia who DO NOT know we worship ONE God (not three). With such a weak church leadership who cannot back their arguments up with strong verses! Please step down, Rev. We don’t need politics to be mixed into the church.
Chris Ooi
June 1, 2010
1MyLee, I believe you have missed one important and crucial point: perception. According to the good Book, does perception count? What is the message the church is sending out when it accepted the grant? If perception is important, judging from the comments here and elsewhere, we have failed miserably, haven’t we? The church must not only be above reproach but it must be seen to be above reproach. If I may be so bold as to ask you to read 1Cor chapter 8. Hopefully we can gain some wisdom from that chapter. God bless you.
Daniel Boey
June 3, 2010
1) Take the money
2) Give all to the poor
3) Take none for the church
4) Make public the decision
5) Thank the giver
1MyLee
June 7, 2010
Chris Ooi
I do not think perception is THE rule of the game for Christians. If our decision is base on perceptions the church would end up conforming to the world. In todays world people do not believe in absolute. Christians are fast being perceived as arrangant and judgemental when we claim that Jesus is the only way to God. Christian no doubt should take due consideration of perception and try to be wise in that regard but more importantly check our action to see if God moral laws has been broken. You see, consideration on perception can be rather subjective, not everybody look at an issue and come to the same conclusion, and they can both have sound basis. I see a lot of comments expressed were very subjective and bias and trying to impose personal opinion on others. Any way many of the comments are misconcpetion and judgemental also. Calling it ‘take bribe’ is judgemental. Receiving money do not automatically =take bribe. Calling it donation is a misconception. It is a grant not a donation. I firmly believe that the churches had not done anything wrong receiving the money if they did not campaign among their members to vote BN. I firmly believe that it is not for the church to judge the intention of the giver neither for the church to be responsible for the intention of the giver. So many are so strongly against the 4 churches. Do you all have the courage to pronounce that the 4 churches has committed sin when they received the money?
Jamie Khoo
June 8, 2010
1MyLee,
I don’t think you’ve read my message clearly. So allow me to repeat myself…
This is what Abang Adek said in OnGohing’s post….
Abang Adek: Like I said last night, God is nothing compared to money. And the Methodist Churches who took the bribes from the BN only prove again to all, that God is nothing compared to money. You PR guys only hope in miracles. Well, the miracle happening today is the miracle of $$$$$$. Money talks, Money walks…
Let me ask you again:
Is money more powerful than miracles and the Christian God?
Then let me ask you this:
Is this the message a church is supposed to bring to the nation?
Regardless if its subjectively or obejectively right or wrong…. The chances of Abang Adek ever believing in our God is significantly reduced. Is this the kind of church you want?