Face to Face with

Malaysia

An Analysis of
the Malaysian Reality

Tricia Yeoh
(with Alwyn Lau)
November 2007~June2008
 ISA Police Abuse
Malay
supremacy
Media Freedom
NEP
University Rankings
Islamic vs.
Secular
State
Lina Joy Sedition Act

OSA Falling FDI

Indian Rights
Orang Asli
Hindu Temples’
Demolition
UUCA Migrant
Free & Fair Workers
Elections PPPA
Independence of
Judiciary
 The Great Malaysian Story

Identity:Race+Religion Power Politics

NEP Free & Fair Elections
Lina Joy Sedition Act
Hindu Temples’ Demolition Independence of Judiciary
Falling FDI Official Secrets Act
Malay supremacy Police Abuse
Orang Asli Media Freedom
University Rankings UUCA
Islamic vs. Secular State PPPA
Indian Rights ISA

Migrant Workers
SO HOW?
 The Great Malaysian Vision
Legislature
Legislature Executive Judiciary
Judiciary

Parliament Government Judges & Lawyers

I L L
W
Good Governance

AL Transparency
Accountability

I T I C Check & Balance

Translation of Policies into Action

OL Fair Dealings

O P
N
Active Civil Society Strong Opposition Independent Media

Public Policy Research Fair Election Process

For every 10 March! Sign online
Malaysians… petitions! Vote for
the opposition!
Justice! Change!

Make enough $$$ to

survive! Leave the
country! Malaysia no
more hope!

The Government
takes care of our
needs! Vote BN!
 “Jesus died as a political prisoner
to bring transformation to life, church and
nation. The Government must be
TRANSFORMED by Christ to realise His
kingdom on earth”
"But Woe to those who make unjust laws, to
those who issue oppressive decrees, to
deprive the poor of their rights and withhold
justice from the oppressed of my people,
making widows their prey and robbing the
fatherless.

Isaiah 10:1-2
"But Peter and John spoke right back,
‘Whether it's right in God's eyes to listen to
you rather than to God, you decide.’

Acts 4:19
 “When you pick up the sword, you
automatically put down the Cross. The
Church must be INDEPENDENT of the
Government in being God’s agent on earth.”

Rev. Gregory Boyd,

Baptist Pastor
 “The only alternative to the
political process is war.

“We must WORK WITH the

Government to ensure a just
society.

“The storm on the outside

requires us to ensure there is
peace inside.

We must make friends in

Noah’s ark.”
Dr. Herman Sastri
President, Council
of Churches
Malaysia
“Make the Master proud of you by being good
citizens. Respect the authorities, whatever their
level; they are God's emissaries for keeping order. It
is God's will that by doing good, you might cure the
ignorance of the fools who think you're a danger to
society. Exercise your freedom by serving God, not
by breaking the rules. Treat everyone you meet with
dignity. Love your spiritual family. Revere God.
Respect the government.” (1 Peter 2:13-17)
"Be a good citizen. All governments are
under God. Insofar as there is peace and
order, it's God's order. So live responsibly
as a citizen. If you're irresponsible to the
state, then you're irresponsible with God,
and God will hold you responsible. Duly
constituted authorities are only a threat if
you're trying to get by with something.
Decent citizens should have nothing to fear.
“Do you want to be on good terms with the
government? Be a responsible citizen and
you'll get on just fine, the government
working to your advantage. But if you're
breaking the rules right and left, watch out.
The police aren't there just to be admired in
their uniforms. God also has an interest in
keeping order, and he uses them to do it.
"That's why you must live responsibly—not
just to avoid punishment but also because
it's the right way to live.

That's also why you pay taxes—so that an

orderly way of life can be maintained. Fulfill
your obligations as a citizen. Pay your taxes,
pay your bills, respect your leaders.”

Romans 13:1-7
100%
Political Partisanship / Political Partisanship /
“Join PKR!” “Join BN!”

Civil-Political
Influence / Dialogue /
Monitoring

Civil Action /
Involvement in politics

NGOs’ / Help
Oppressed, Poor

Civil Disobedience
/ Peaceful Protest

Church as Transformative Agent / “Be Jesus’ hands and feet”

Migration / “Seek
greener pastures”

Apathy / “Life goes on”

O%
Anti-Govt Pro-Govt
 Where do YOU fit in?

Parliament Judges & Lawyers

Government

Active Civil Society Independent Media

Strong Opposition

Fair Election Process

Public Policy Research
 Active Civil Society

Identity:Race+Religion Power Politics

 Learn & understand

 Vote wisely
culture of the other  Right to information
 Speak “language”
 Write boldly
of the other  Monitor policies
closely with statistics
 Build bridges  Watch leaders’ words
 Dialogue &  International pressure
Workshops groups
 Everyday
relationships
 NGO work
 Race+Religion (a hard nut to crack)

Capturing the Malay(sian) Heartland

• Removing our own personal prejudices

• Justice in every language; Justice in every religion

• Understanding what makes them tick

• A common humanity; A common people

• God’s heart for transformation of all alike

“Malaysia Will Always Be
Your Home”
(Tricia Yeoh, 13 June 2008)