Formed in 1948, the Council of Churches of Malaysia (CCM) is one of the first ecumenical bodies in Malaysia. As a member of the Christian Federation of Malaysia (CFM), it works to be the uncompromising collective voice of Christians in the nation. It is not just on the causes of the Christian community alone that CFM intervenes, issues statements, […]

Formed in 1948, the Council of Churches of Malaysia (CCM) is one of the first ecumenical bodies in Malaysia. As a member of the Christian Federation of Malaysia (CFM), it works to be the uncompromising collective voice of Christians in the nation. It is not just on the causes of the Christian community alone that CFM intervenes, issues statements, or engages with relevant governmental and non-governmental bodies. It is for Malaysian society as a whole, for the betterment of civil society.

Malaysia is a predominantly Muslim country, with about 60 percent of the population belonging to that religion. Buddhists follow with about 20 percent, and Christians with just over 9 percent. Multi-ethnic and multi-religious Malaysians have lived together, largely in peace and harmony and prosperity with peaceful changes in government, for over 65 years in what is constitutionally a secular country. But God features significantly in Malaysian personal, social and political life and discourse.

According to the Malaysian Federal Constitution, Islam is the religion of the Federation, but other religions may be practiced in peace and harmony throughout the Federation. In addition, the Constitution states that every person has the right to profess and practice their religion.

Speeches and official functions often begin with an Islamic greeting and sometimes even a doa selamat, which is a prayer for God’s protection. God and the invocation of God are pervasive in Malaysia. Nevertheless, God, religion, Christianity, and Christ, in particular, are politically charged and highly politicized issues in many nations of Asia and Africa. Malaysia is no exception.

The leadership, caliber and commitment of Christian politicians have brought much renewal and competency to the government but it is not easy being a Christian minister or politician in a minority context.

Christians in Malaysia have remained a little flock, hovering below 10 percent of the population for many years. The growth of Chinese churches by outreach is therefore remarkable and encouraging. There also has been some growth in the churches of the indigenous people. Church growth of people of Indian origin in Malaysia has been slow, with much protest and challenges from Hindu groups. But outreach to people coming to work in Malaysia has been fulfilling, especially among the Nepalis, Myanmarese, Indians and other nationalities. The 2020 Malaysian Census puts the number of foreigners working in the country at about 2.5 million persons, but it is estimated the actual figure is higher.

Schools and universities are vital spaces for people to come into contact with the Christian faith. There are many non-Christians in Malaysia who can say the Lord’s prayer, have read the Bible, sat for Bible knowledge examinations and are familiar with Christian literature and practices through attending Christian mission school. Christmas is widely celebrated among many Malaysians, whether they are Christians or not.

Christian teachers, Convent sisters, La Salle brothers, and Christian school principals have made Malaysia what it is now – a land of tolerance, love and respect for one another. Christian teachers, chaplains, leaders and members of Christian fellowships in schools, colleges and universities have also led many young people to the Lord through their lifestyle, faith and love.

We need more committed Christian teachers and lecturers for primary schools, secondary schools, colleges and universities. The presence of such teachers has made a major difference for many Christian leaders of Malaysia today.

Opportunities to provide Chaplains, chapel services, Bible knowledge classes and Christian fellowships in government schools should be well used. However, it is in establishing Christian private schools and colleges where the best Christian education can be provided. Hence the need to set up more Christian private schools and colleges providing education at a reasonable cost in the country.

If our Christian schools can re-establish their pre-eminence as premier institutions of learning, producing leaders of integrity, caliber and excellence, the church’s task to be the light of the world would be much closer to realisation.

Many churches in Malaysia have medical missions, a significant form of witnessing in a minority context. An example is the Klinik Lutheran, established in 2007, in the Ipoh region. The Ministry of Health approved the license for this Clinic to run as a charitable organisation providing health care to the community’s people. In collaboration with various voluntary doctors, staff nurses and pharmacists from private hospitals and clinics, Klinik Lutheran can provide free healthcare services to the public.

In a multi-religious and multi-ethnic country such as Malaysia, interfaith engagement is vital. The CFM also works with the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST) on interfaith concerns for engaging with the government on policies, social issues, and concerns. Also, some Muslim NGOs work directly with CFM or through the MCCBCHST on wider national issues. The Lord has enabled Christians in Malaysia to be united in witness among people of other faiths through this avenue.

With imagination, commitment, and inspiration of the Lord, the Church can organise itself to be the light and salt of the earth. A great cloud of Christian witnesses has gone before us in the schools, in parliament, and in society. By God’s grace, it is possible for Christians to be strong and vibrant witnesses in a minority context.

Reprinted with kind permission of The Lutheran World Federation. Visit the website to find out more about The Lutheran World Federation.

Many of our partner churches are working in new territory for the kingdom of God; therefore, spiritual attack is their everyday reality. As a member of a congregation, school, or family, or a couple or individual, you are invited to commit to praying for our partners in mission. For regular prayer point updates, go to www.lca.org.au/international-mission/act-now/pray

Read more stories about our partner churches in Malaysia at https://www.lcamission.org.au/category/stories/international-partners/malaysia-peninsula/