Beyond the Ballot Box: The Christian Calling to Pray, Serve and Seek the Common Good

I love Malaysia – my Negaraku. As a teenager, I aspired to serve the nation in the military. I was inspired by our National Monument, the Tugu Negara, and was ready to literally live out the second line of our national anthem, “Tanah tumpahnya darahku” (“Land where my blood is spilt”). Besides, the ceremonial military uniform looked so cool, classy and commanding!

Now, as an adult with teenagers of my own, I have come to see Malaysia through a different lens – both her beauty and brokenness, and her potential and progress despite her challenges. With that perspective, below are some of my observations of – and aspirations for – my beloved country:

1.Complainers Gonna Complain

Other than our love for food, Malaysians love to complain. We can hang out for hours at our local kopitiams and complain about the rising cost of living, traffic jams, tolls, potholes, the future of our children’s education, corrupt politicians and just about everything under the sun – including the weather!

The danger is that if we keep staring at our problems long enough and just complain without doing anything, eventually we might become part of the problem rather than the solution. As followers of Christ, we are called to “Do everything without grumbling…” (Philippians 2:14)

This doesn’t mean we can’t complain or that things we complain about have no basis, are not real, or are unimportant. Many of them are legitimate and need to be voiced. But beyond complaining, the more important question is: What can we do to contribute or help resolve those issues?

We often think the grass is greener on the other side. The truth is, the grass is greener where you water it. Complainers grumble but do nothing.

2.Compromisers Lose Their Convictions

At the peak of Malaysia’s political crisis in 2018 (predominantly due to the 1MDB scandal), a “New Malaysia” was voted in. But two years later, at the height of Covid-19, the nation suffered a coalition collapse in 2020, resulting in a constitutional crisis. A Unity Government was then formed in 2022 to ensure political stability.

From these crises, one word stands out: “compromise”. For the record, not all compromises are inherently wrong. Democracy and coalition politics require compromise. But we can compromise on policies without compromising on principles. Despite the victory in 2018 of having voted out a government which ruled Malaysia for 61 years, the “New Malaysia” has resulted in disappointments, disillusionment, and discouragement.

As Christians, we can learn much from Daniel in the Old Testament. When compromise required defilement “Daniel resolved not to defile himself…” (Daniel 1:8). He was also prepared to lose everything and pay the price for not bowing down to King Darius (Daniel 6) before God rescued him in the lion’s den.

Compromisers bow when pressure comes. But good compromise gives up preferences to achieve greater good whilst bad compromise gives up principles to preserve position.

3.Contributors Create Change

As citizens, we have the right and the responsibility to vote. We should not merely complain about our government while refusing to participate in choosing it. We should have the courage to have our voice heard and the conviction that our votes count and can make a difference.

Former US President, John F. Kennedy, famously said: “Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.” As Christians, don’t just ask, “What is wrong with my country?” Ask, “Lord, what would You have me do for my country?”

Here are some suggestions: Vote wisely and prayerfully. But our responsibility does not end at the ballot box. Let’s pray for those in authority (1 Timothy 2:1–2), submit appropriately to governing authorities (Romans 13:1), speak truth and oppose injustice, serve the vulnerable, hold leaders accountable, participate constructively, and “seek the peace and prosperity of the city” where God has placed us (Jeremiah 29:7).

As Michael Jackson aptly sang in his “Man in the Mirror” song, “If you wanna make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and then make the change”. Hence, before asking God to change the nation, let’s allow Him to change us first. Plus, change does not have to begin with something big. Many revivals started with just a few believers praying and surrendering to God.

4.Creative Ways to Serve the Community

That said, not all of us are called to serve in public office like YB Hannah Yeoh or YB Yeo Bee Yin. There are many other ways to contribute: Organisations like Malaysian CARE, MERCY Malaysia and Focus on the Family serve the marginalised communities and families, and we can volunteer, support or become involved in their work.

Others use media and digital platforms to influence and shape the next generation. Brandon Ho, for example, started “Let’s Get Real”, a Malaysian Christian podcast built around honest conversations and personal testimonies. Another good example is “The Game of Impossible” podcast, hosted by father-and-son Dato’ Sri Idris Jala and Leon Jala, on topics like business, leadership, sports, and faith.

Closer to home, my wife helps with our neighbourhood Kebun Komuniti initiative organised by the local council for special needs children. As for me, I occasionally write articles for ODB to encourage its readers, and as a family, we support the local church.

These may appear to be small contributions, but nation-building does not happen only in Parliament or Putrajaya. It happens through our neighbourhoods, schools, workplaces, churches, families; and increasingly, through digital platforms.

Conclusion

Every one of us has a role to play, whether big or small. We may not have the same platform, influence, or resources, but we can faithfully use whatever God has placed in our hands for the good of others and ultimately for His glory.

Our posture as followers of Christ, therefore, should be to shift our mindset from complainers and compromisers to creative contributors. We are to willingly participate and serve within our capacity to build our nation upon godly values and principles.

And let us not be discouraged when change seems slow or when we don’t see the results we hope for. Even when we cannot see it, God is still at work. We just need to remain faithful in what He has called us to do as citizens. My pastor used to say, “Where there is darkness, introduce the Light.” Let us, then, be salt and light for Christ in our nation.

When we hear others complain, encourage them to be grateful. When you see unhealthy compromises, remind each other to stand firm on God-fearing convictions. Keep contributing to the good of the nation and lead by example – starting with ourselves, then our children and our children’s children. Malaysia Boleh, because nothing is impossible for God!

About the Author

Rudeen Chua makes a living practising law but makes a life with Grace and their 3 wonderful daughters. He is passionate about discipleship and previously served alongside with his wife as premarital counselling (PMC) counsellors. He has a soft spot for underdogs, which explains his love for movies like Cool Runnings, Real Steel and A Few Good Men.

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