The world is tottering on the brink disaster. That may be the feeling of many since the Sept. 11 assault on the US, an event that has changed the global socio-political landscape of nation states.

Nevertheless, in the midst of the intense socio-political turbulence, we have seen positive strides made by the international community. The achievements made thus far include restoring social peace, enhancing economic and spiritual wellbeing, and creating a politically amiable environment for meaningful coexistence and sharing.

The local scene has not been devoid of similar disturbing episodes, which have caused uncertainty and uneasiness in the minds of the general population. Among them were:

• The verbal declaration of Malaysia as an Islamic State;
• The concurrent emergence of alarming activities of the Kumpulan Militan Malaysia;
• The passing of the Hudud Bill by the Terengganu State Assembly; and
• The announcement of the Prime Minister’s resignation.

Another episode that has caused grave concern among Christians in Malaysia, especially those in Sabah and Sarawak, is the recent unfounded allegation by a senior government official that the Sidang Injil Borneo (SIB) is involved in extremist activities.

Faced with such trials, the Church in Malaysia has pressed on faithfully, engaging in intercession for God to prevail over all situations. Malaysian Christians have stepped forward to be the ‘salt and light’, even in moments of despair. Intercessors have been wrestling "against principalities, against powers, against rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places" (Eph. 6:12).

We are much comforted and thankful to God that our nation’s leadership has had the capacity, capability and resilience to ward off any planned onslaughts, and has swiftly steered the nation through the turbulence to relatively calm waters.

Detecting early warning signals of impending trouble is critical. So is the need to discern the underlying cause of the problem at hand, assess the potential danger, and develop appropriate remedial measures to overcome it. As responsible Christians, we can intercede against all forms of negative forces at work – injustice, oppression, corruption and unrighteousness.

Our ‘salt and light’ witness must be maintained at all times and be even more visible during times of crises. One of the most effective ways to maintain this witness is to be visibly involved in nation building. This has to be translated into tangible contribution such as providing policy input, channelling needs to the authorities, articulating government policies, and providing spiritual guidance. Helping to guard national security is another major contribution that we can make to nation building.

Generally, the nation’s leadership has a proven record of competence and, therefore, credibility through its efforts in, for example, ensuring high levels of economic productivity and economic wellbeing; and promoting national unity and social peace, public justice, religious liberty and national righteousness.

Many may raise concerns and even doubts as to whether the next Prime Minister (PM) has the capacity to lead the nation in its envisioned 2020 goal of achieving a developed nation’s status. Based on past performance, ethics and character of the incoming PM, we can, with confidence, look forward to a consistently pragmatic leadership that will be relational, caring, sensitive and effective.

The international and local communities have expressed confidence that religious liberty will be upheld and socio-economic growth sustained. We believe that God, who is compassionately and totally concerned about the welfare of nations, will use the next PM and his team as His instruments to bring the country to greater heights.

In years past, many political leaders have ridden on ethnic or religion-based issues to gain popular support. The incoming PM, however, has so far avoided this stance, preferring to take a pragmatic and relational approach to resolving issues. Let us continue to pray for God to pave His way for a smooth transition of political power, to provide the needed wisdom for, and "order the steps" of our next PM and the current leadership (1Tim. 2: 1–2).