Prayer Alert (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

The New Leadership

Description: FYI No. 5 - Aug 1, 2003 (Last updated: Dec 6, 2003)
        Author: NECF Malaysia

NECF Malaysia "For Your Intercession" No. 5 - August 1, 2003 www.necf.org.my  (Last updated on Dec. 6, 2003)

The New Leadership under
YAB Datuk Seri Abdullah Bin Haji Ahmad Badawi

A BRIEF REPORT:

Malaysia’s long awaited political transition is now underway.

The astonishing announcement of Mahathir’s retirement came in a June 22, 2002 address at the UMNO general assembly. Leadership of the dominant UMNO party and the governing National Front coalition was to be handed over to the Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Abdullah bin Haji Ahmad Badawi. The chosen successor, however, remained largely untested. There were many uncertainties in regards to his leadership capability, e.g. whether he could hold together the largely ethnic-based ruling coalition parties under the National Front; whether he could deal with the dwindling foreign direct investment and the challenges of opening up markets to global competition.

Yet Datuk Badawi, 62, affectionately known as "Pak Lah," is not to be underestimated. He has been centrally involved in Malaysian politics since serving as a key civil servant in the early 1970s. He spent "the late 1980s in the political wilderness after supporting Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah's unsuccessful challenge to Dr Mahathir for the presidency in 1987," but returned to the cabinet in 1991 (http://www.smpke.jpm.my/tpm/TPMMain.html). He was a well-respected and well-liked Foreign Minister before he was appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister (the first deputy minister in Malaysian political history to have held six ministerial positions). His colorful and active participation in political arena, rich international experiences, and having a desirable reputation for Islamic piety and knowledge, makes him a markedly different leader from Mahathir Mohamad. "He will be diplomatic where Dr Mahathir is outspoken. He will be soothing where the present Prime Minister is abrasive. He will also, unless his nature changes in the job, be less authoritarian." (Dec 24 1999 South China Morning Post)

A moderate Muslim with an excellent Islamic credentials - having pursued Islamic Studies at the University of Malaya and being the son of a religious teacher and the grandson of Abdullah Fahim Ibrahim, a famous ulama - Datuk Badawi appears to be a far more credible opponent to combat the claim by the opposition Parti Islam se-Malaysia (PAS) that it is more Islamic than UMNO. Nevertheless, to unite the Malay community in the face of growing Islamic militarism is still the immediate concern.

Datuk Badawi is low-key and has no obvious factional base to appease. According to Australia Financial Review, the perceptions of Malaysia in the West would shift closer to reality under his premiership. He would "bring a more consensual approach to Malaysia's government" (July 4 2003). At a business forum organized by the Institute of Strategic and International Studies and the Japan External Trade Organization (July 10th), the Japanese were impressed by Datuk Badawi's leadership capabilities & his humility (NSTP, July 13, 03). However, how "Malaysia manages the transition from an economy dependent upon electronic sub-contracting to one that is competitive and at the forefront of scientific and technological production … may well decide whether Abdullah Badawi's leadership and his outflanking of Islamist appeals among Malaysia's Malay majority population will succeed." (http://www.aseanfocus.com/asiananalysis/article.cfm?articleID=560)

Romans 13:1 "Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God" (RSV).

1 Tim 2: 1-2 "Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence."

UPDATE:

Oct 31, 2003 Datuk Badawi sworn to be the 5th Prime Minister of Malaysia

His agenda

  • Fighting terrorism
    'We cannot compromise when dealing with the threats posed by extremism, terrorism and militancy... attempts to undermine national security and public order must be dealt with firmly.’
  • Tackling corruption
    'Our resolve to have a civil service that is corruption-free should not be weakened by unhealthy practices in the private sector or by parties outside the government that contribute to this disease.'
  • Upholding democracy
    'We believe democracy is the best system of governance. We must be open and ready to accept criticism and contrary views to ensure that a culture of democracy thrives.’
    • Limit
      'Democracy does not mean absolute freedom. Issues that inflame religious, racial, and cultural sentiments should not be sensationalised.'

Challenges faced

  • PAS’ continuous agenda of wooing the Malay electorate
  • finding the right balance between tackling extremism, not alienating an increasingly religious Malay electorate, and dealing with demands for greater political openness.
  • Fractions within UMNO
  • Choosing the right deputy
  • pressure to maintain economy growth rate.
  • Reforming institutions which have been weakened during Dr M’s tenure
    • increasing accountability,
    • improving capability,
    • addressing corruption, and
    • promoting regeneration based on merit rather than on personal loyalty.

His Strengths

  • patient and diplomatic
  • honesty & humility
  • compassionate
  • likes to work for consensus : "work with me not for me."
  • lower tolerance for corruption
  • deep and intuitive understanding of the Qur’an -
      • able to argue on issues related to Islam without having to rely on support and advice from the religious establishment.

SUGGESTED PRAYER POINTS:

    • For Datuk Badawi, that he will be a "Cyrus" leader (Ezra 1:1)
      • That he will be a righteous, just and upright leader. He will be upright in his dealing with men and will give justice to the poor (Ps 72:1-2,4).
      • That he will be a ruler of great wisdom, knowledge and understanding. He will have the God-given wisdom to know the root causes of the present problems affecting our nation and the wisdom to deal with them. (Prov 8:14-16)
      • That he will be a leader who will temper his decisions with mercy and lovingkindness. (Prov 20:28).
      • He will be supported by for godly & righteous advisers
      • God will protect him and his family from unjust slander & accusation, and grant them good health.
    • Wisdom & courage to choose the right deputy who will partnership with him to serve the country well.
    • There may be new faces in cabinet under the new leadership.
      • Pray for godly wisdom in appointing deputies and ministers who are men/women of integrity, honesty and ability.
      • For a cabinet who honors truth (Prov 29:14) that gives full support to the new leadership, a Cabinet that is effective in providing the necessary confidence which would be needed by the new administration.
      • Pray for divine leading upon our leaders to do well and make decisions based on justice and righteousness.
    • Datuk Badawi has assured the non-Muslims of a moderate religious stance suitable for multi-racial Malaysia.
      • Pray that our Constitutional rights are upheld, and the freedom to worship is maintained.
      • That he will favor the church and be gracious in all his dealings with her. And the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ will flourish in our land under his government.
    • He will make a positive difference in areas such as
      • strengthening the judiciary and rule of law;
      • encouraging a more open and tolerant society;
      • reducing corruption; and
      • improving relations with our neighbours
    • Election 2004
      • Christians to involve in the process of institution of authority by God (Rom. 13:1) - regard voting as privilege & responsibility.
      • Malay Muslims be wise & rational in voting, not to be affected by religious sentiment & fear

 



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