01 Feb 2013

February 2013 - General Elections

The General Elections is around the corner. The Methodist Church in Malaysia would like to put a simple reminder to all its churches of a decision taken by the GCEC on the 25th of May 2010 on matter concerning
the General Elections. This decision was made with Bishop Hwa Yung.

To:
All Presidents, Pastors and Members,
The Methodist Church in Malaysia

Dear Friends,

Per: Special Government Grants at Election Times in the Country

Warmest greetings to all in the Name of Christ! I trust that this finds you well!

Many of you are aware of the controversy that has been stirred
up in the press concerning government grants handed out during recent by-elections, both in East and West Malaysia. The Council of Presidents, after its meeting of 25th May 2010, had issued a pastoral letter on the matter. The General Conference Executive Council (GCEC) at its meeting of 12-13 August deliberated further on the matter. We write to inform all pastors and members of the decision that was taken at the meeting.

The GCEC notes that the Federal and the various State governments, whether from BN or from the Opposition parties, regularly give out grants to citizens’ groups of all kinds. To make such grants is a government’s responsibility, and to receive such is a citizen’s right. After all, the money given is actually taxpayers’ money. However, the question of timing is crucial. It is important that the reception of such grants at any time does not compromise the moral stand of the church in the eyes of the public. We must not be perceived to be involved
in corrupt pratices of any kind or appear to be manipulated by the party(s) in power.

The GCEC has therefore taken the following decision concerning special government grants in all future elections:

That the GCEC
resolves that no Methodist church should apply for or receive government grants, irrespective of the party in power, in the period between the nomination date of any election to the polling date of the same. Given the present socio-political context, this will send a clear signal to everyone that the church is non-partisan. More importantly, it will make clear that the Methodist Church does not condone actions that are or can be perceived as being related to money politics.

This decision is not meant to refer to whatever may have happened 
in the past, but rather to serve as our guideline for all future elections. May God grant that through acting in such a manner, we will be able to achieve, by His all sufficient grace, our goal of ‘Spreading Scriptural Holiness, Transforming the Nation’! The peace of God be with you always!

Yours sincerely in Christ,


(signed)

Bishop Hwa Yung
The Methodist Church in Malaysia