Member Focus: Malaysia
Malaysia has been a significant trading link throughout its history, which made it of strategic interest in 18th and 19th Centuries. Malaysia gained its independence from Britain in 1957 and today it is formed by a federation of thirteen states, two (Sabah and Sarawak) which are located on the East Island alongside Borneo (Indonesia).
Leadership: A federated state with a constitutional monarchy
Head of State (King) is Tuanku Abdul Halim, who was appointed in December 2011. The role of King is rotated every 5 years amongst the Sultans of the nine Malay kingdoms.
Prime Minister: Najib Abdul Razak, who came into leader in April 2009. Mr Najib comes from a family of politicians. His father was prime minster and so was his uncle. On election as prime minister Mr Najib promised a number of radical reforms:
- A more transparent government
- A more inclusive ethnic and religious environment
To date, this has not been evident, with focus being of quelling political or opposition dissent.
Economic: Malaysia was a rapidly developing economic country with exports of rubber, palm oil, petroleum and wood. It is one of the leading countries for production of computer disk drives. Malaysia is ranked 61 on the HDI (Human Development Index).
Social: Population is about 29 million, with 60% of the population being made of the ethnic Malay. A further 28% of the population are Chinese and 12% South and Southeast Asian peoples. Women are still marginalised though nearly 60% of adult women have attained secondary education. 14% of parliament seats are held by women.
Faith: Malaysia is a multi ethnic and multi religious society with Sunni Islam is the predominant official religion in Malaysian. Religious freedom for all faiths is constitutionally guaranteed though there is mounting pressure for the application of Sharia Law.
Micah Network Members: There are 3 members in Malaysia:
Interserve International: Interserve is an interdenominational and international community of Christians, bringing God’s love to the peoples of Asia and the Arab World through word and action.
Malaysian Care: is an organisation offering diversified services such as residential care and community services and is strongly committed to community development. They inform, educate and encourage Christians to be involved with the poor and deprived, helping to set up social caring ministries across Malaysia
Individual Member: 1
Prayer Focus
Government: Lord we pray for greater accountability of government leaders who are willing to engage with issues of corruption, justice and discrimination. Thank you for the pledge for greater transparency – Lord remind and prompt Mr Najib to move towards this.
Economic: Lord, we are concerned that there is an increasing gap between the rich and the poor in Malaysia. Though the country has developed economic, the wealth remains in the hands of the few.
Integral Mission: The National Evangelical Christian Fellowship (NECF) in Malaysia has the following vision “Transforming the Nation through the local church”.
Lord, we thank you for this inspiring vision and pray for a growing unity and cooperation between churches and organisations as they together seek to demonstrate your love for Malaysia. We pray your hand on Interseve International and Malaysian Care, seeking you to guide their work.
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