Mindful Morsels – Negaraku

twists and mind-blowing plots emerging by the hour. How many of us were biting our nails and refusing to sleep until the one we were waiting for from PM to AM and then to late PM before he was finally made PM! I took a nap when I could no longer ‘tahan’ and woke up to 587 messages on my WhatsApp!

The phenomenal date of May 9, 2018, is now firmly entrenched in our history books, and will be spoken of over cups of coffee and taught in classrooms for generations to come.

Many articles and commentaries have since been written of the astounding victory that few or to be honest, if any believed to be possible. The 61-years – increasingly marred by lording intimidation, in-your-face corruption, arrogant injustice and plain stupidity – have rendered a majority of Malaysians resigned to the fact that our nation and lives were on a slippery downward slide to hopelessness, particularly for minorities in race and religion. For years, this has prompted many to migrate or, at minimum, hear advice by parents, aunties and uncles to children studying abroad to stay put there after graduating as there’s “no future” back here.

Now suddenly, we are standing on the threshold looking at a very bright and hopeful Malaysia. And we did it in style. Have we just ushered out the only political party that has governed Malaysia since its independence without any ugly unrest or blood shed? Yes indeed! There’s this new amazing spirit of unity, camaraderie and tolerance among all Malaysians regardless of race, religion, gender or stature. And this has persisted through the week since.

I was a serving PACA and I can testify that despite the queues for 2-3 hours in the intense heat to vote, Malaysians that day demonstrated an incredible amount of patience and cooperation I have not seen for a long, long time. People were genuinely kind to one another, very determined to pursue the common cause of justice and progress. We are witnessing clearly a very transformed Malaysian spirit.

It may be a political watershed moment, but I am convinced that our cries and laments of injustice and humble prayer for peace, for God’s intervention in the nation have been heard. No man nor strategy, no matter how charismatic or brilliant can be this successful in moving Malaysians across the nation to demonstrate such courage and determination. 2 Chronicles 7:14 “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, THEN I will hear from heaven and will heal their land”. The outcome is but a bonus. Of course, many were disheartened and angry as each year felt like things were getting worse, and people felt increasingly feeling burdened.

Perhaps Malaysians were not ready for the change 5 years ago, unlike now, perhaps …. I won’t even wonder anymore, but choose to fully trust in His perfect timing and plans. As Ecc 3:1 shows, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens”, and in Ecc 3:11, “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end”.

So what now? Pastor Lawrence’s reminders to us recently are very true. We must continue praying for Malaysia and her leaders. Malaysia today is like a newborn. Do not make the mistake of falling into complacency for we do not wish to be like the Israelites that spent 40 years wandering in wilderness after being set free from Egypt. God works through forgiveness and grace. Hence, let us also forgive and be wise to ensure we share news that do not ridicule or infuriate any other parties.

A new dawn has broken over Malaysia. We must nurture our nation constantly with care and prayers.

Malaysia, tanah tumpahnya darahku!!