KUCHING: The Association of Churches in Sarawak (ACS) in its pastoral letter for the 15th General Election (GE15) has urged Sarawakian, especially Christians, to exercise their rights to vote.
Its chairman Archbishop Simon Poh said in a democratic government, the freedom to elect leaders through voting is the right of each citizen.
“To vote means to stand up and be counted. God has entrusted to us this stewardship to work for the common good of everyone,” he said in the letter.
Poh said people must also not simply cast their votes blindly or according to a candidate’s popularity.
“John the Baptist preached against injustice, exploitation, corruption and greed, while God asked Moses to select leaders with these qualities to govern his people.
“Each citizen is to vote according to one’s conscience before God and ACS exhorts church members to seek and godly leaders who will ensure the common good of all races, religion, and social standing in our nation,” he said.
Each Christian, he stressed, has to seek to be better informed on the vision of a candidate and respective political parties.
“Seek good quality candidates in our candidates such as one who is capable and competent; accountable and transparent; trustworthy and person of integrity; God fearing person who seeks to do what is right before God; concern about the plight of the poor and those in need; incorruptible and takes no bribe; does not take advantage of position to exploit poor and unprotected; does not discriminate based on ethnicity, religion or social status; rejects religious fundamentalism and bigotry; and protects harmony and promote mutual acceptance and respect,” he pointed out.
“While it is important that we demand such qualities from our political and spiritual leaders, let us remind ourselves of this double-edged sword.
“Christians are called to strive for these qualities as part of our stewardship and leadership in respective families, workplace and position of leadership that have been entrusted to us. May God bless Sarawak,” he said.
ACS, as a religious organisation, does not endorse any candidate or any political party.
