THE Council of Churches Malaysia (CCM) wishes all Malaysians, by the grace of God, a new year of hope, prosperity, good health and security after three or more years of dire economic conditions, shutdowns and slowdowns, disease and adverse natural disasters.
We also welcome another newness in Malaysia - the new basis for governance announced by our prime minister on Jan 19, 2023, which is Malaysia Madani or Civil Society which Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has been espousing for two decades or so now.
Madani is an Arabic word which brings with it the ideas of constitutionalism and the sanctity of civil society.
Founded on this Arabic concept, as explained by the prime minister, "MADANI" for Malaysia means six core values of governance of the unity government which he leads.
This is namely: sustainability, prosperity, innovation, respect, trust and compassion - keMampanan (Sustainability), kesejAhteraan (Prosperity), Daya cipta (Innovation), hormAt (Respect), keyakiNan (Trust) and Ihsan (Compassion).
While the Rukun Negara will continue to be Malaysia's national ideology, the core values of Malaysia Madani for the governance of the nation going forward promises greater inclusiveness, fairness and welfare for the rakyat.
The prime minister said, "Malaysia must be known as a Madani nation that is prosperous, fair and which rejects any form of injustice towards any individual or race."
We look forward to the working out of Malaysia Madani in these difficult times of high inflation, slower growth, a Parliament in which no individual political party has a majority and possible supply chain and economic disruptions arising from pandemics, wars and the impact of climate change around the world.
It is not going to be an easy task but we believe that in the good hands of the prime minister, his unity cabinet and government, we will do well as can already be seen in the strengthening of the ringgit, Bursa Malaysia and the growth of our exports.
It is the practice of the Malaysian churches to pray for the king, the prime minister, the government and the nation in our weekly worship services. Henceforth our prayers would also be for the success and prosperity of Malaysia Madani.
Gong Xi Fa Cai!
Rev. Jonathan Jesudas
General Secretary,
Council of Churches Malaysia