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THIS year’s Lighting Up Our Nation programme in conjunction with Merdeka Day will focus on praying for our own nation. Each issue beginning this one, we will highlight a state for intercession. Very often, we live within our own perimeters; we concern ourselves mainly with matters that directly affect our neighbourhood. Our hope is that through “State Spot”, our vision and intercession will broaden beyond our zone.
Statistics (Malaysia Statistics Department, 2005)
Population: 1,505,600 (est.)
Ethnic groups: Malay 92.50%, Chinese 3.5%, Other Bumiputera 0.82%, Indian 0.26%, others 0.97%, non-citizen 1.95%
Religious Breakdown (2001):
Islam 94.5%, Buddhism 4.4%, Tribal Animism 0.5%, Christianity 0.2%, Hinduism 0.2%, Taoism/Confucianism 0.1%
Incidence of poverty (2002): 10.7%
 In 1999 following decades of rule by Barisan Nasional, PAS won the local election and ruled Terengganu. However, it was recaptured by BN in the 2004 general election.
The state has long been part of the spiritual and religious heart of the country and efforts to enforce Muslim precepts and eliminate “unislamic” practices have been accorded continuing priority.
In July 2002, the State Legislative Assembly approved the Syariah Criminal Offence (Hudud & Qisas) Bill. It was then gazetted in October 2003 authorising stoning, flogging, and amputation for offences by Muslims including theft, adultery, and consumption of alcohol.
Since BN took over, there had been talks on whether the law should be repealed and the Prime Minister was also reported to have said that all laws enacted by PAS would be reviewed (The Star, 29 Mar 2004).
The Institute of Islamic Understanding Malaysia (Ikim) later undertook the study of Terengganu Syariah Criminal Offence laws. To date, decision has yet to be made.
Meanwhile, the current BN adminis-tration continues to reflect a strong Islamic identity. For example, shortly after winning the election, BN banned all concerts except nasyid performances, but said the ban was only temporary.
Although it contributes most of the country’s oil revenue, Terengganu remains one of the poorest and least-developed states in the country. BN’s special manifesto on Terengganu pledged to set up a university, upgrade the Islamic college, expand the airport, and create more employment.
The Terengganu Health Department estimates an average of 300 to 400 new HIV/AIDS cases every year. As of last June, 6,718 HIV patients and 577 AIDS patients have been recorded in Terengganu. Over 95% of the HIV carriers are male, while 92.4% of the AIDS patients are male. Also, the incidence of incest is high.
Terengganu has also been implicated in a foreign report that some individuals are providing moral, logistic and financial support to the separatist movements in South Thailand.
Religious Freedom & Rights
It has been reported that 2,383 followers of deviant groups were being rehabilitated at Malaysia Islamic Development Department (JAKIM)’s rehabilitation centres in Jelebu and Kuala Terengganu (Bernama, 30 June 2005).
A mob attacked the commune of Sky Kingdom religious sect in July 2005. Police later arrested 45 members and charged them with violating Islamic precepts under Section 10 of the Terengganu Syariah Criminal Offences Enactment 2001.
The Terengganu Takzir enactment of 2001 allows for the sentencing of people who do not pray five times a day (The Sun, 26/27 Mar 2005).
The Church
There are 10 churches of various denominations in Kuala Terengganu. All, except one, are located in shop-houses but the state government has said it would consider non-Muslims’ requests for land to build places of worship.
Some churches have no pastors or leaders and there is a need for churches to see their presence as a blessing to their community. Recognising the need and importance of unity, several churches have gathered to pray for Terengganu every month on the first Friday since the year 2002.
Pray:
• For the state government to rule with wisdom, integrity and fairness.
• For economic sufficiency, just distribution of wealth and eradication of poverty.
• For the people to be freed from all forms of spiritual deception and bondage of the occult.
• Against religious extremism.
• For churches to have the mindset of Christ towards others regardless of religious/ethnic background; that they will actively engage and support government projects in eliminating poverty and creating employment.
• For more full-time pastors and leaders
• For Christians to find favour with the government and the neighbours.
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