by Ruth Yong Wan Theen
Every year when August comes around, I think of the stories my parents told me about Malaysia’s early days, when neighbours of all races celebrated Merdeka side by side, and churches opened their doors to serve anyone who walked in. These memories—whether lived or inherited—remind me that unity is something we build together, year after year.
Every August, the colours of the Jalur Gemilang wave proudly in the breeze. Streets are dressed in red, white, blue, and yellow, and patriotic songs echo through the air. But beyond the parades and fireworks, Merdeka is a time for deeper reflection: How far have we come as a nation? And how can the Church continue to help shape a Malaysia that is united, compassionate, and just?
Rhythms of voices and sounds
As someone who does not see, my experience of Merdeka comes through the rhythm of voices and sounds. I cannot watch the flags flutter or the fireworks burst in colour, but I can hear the excitement in people’s conversations, the news reports filled with stories of unity, and the melodies of patriotic songs drifting through the air. In these sounds, I hear the heartbeat of a nation — a reminder that unity is not just something we see, but something we feel, speak, and live out together. This makes me even more aware that the essence of Merdeka is about shared hope and shared responsibility, not just shared symbols.
From the earliest days, churches have been part of Malaysia’s nation-building story, quietly yet significantly sowing seeds of unity, progress, and social care. As we celebrate another year of independence, we also face pressing challenges that call us to rise again as people of hope.
The far-reaching impact of the church
The Church’s role in Malaysian history is rich and far-reaching. Mission schools like Wesley Methodist School and St. Xavier’s Institution provided quality education to children of all races and faiths, shaping leaders and thinkers who would go on to serve the nation.
Church-run hospitals, orphanages, and clinics served the poor without discrimination, embodying Jesus’ words: “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for Me” (Matthew 25:40, NIV).
Ecumenical bodies such as the Council of Churches of Malaysia and the Christian Federation of Malaysia have long championed unity, encouraging believers to work together across denominations and to reach out to those of other faiths in friendship and respect.
In past years, churches have marked Merdeka with national prayer rallies, charity events, and public calls for unity. For example, on Merdeka Eve 2023, the CFM urged Malaysians to reject racial and religious division and to stand together in line with the principles of the Rukun Negara. These moments remind us that true independence is not only about political freedom. It’s about living out the biblical call to “love your neighbour as yourself” (Mark 12:31, NIV).
While the past holds inspiring stories, our present reality carries urgent needs:
• Declining interfaith engagement: Interfaith dialogues are fewer, reducing opportunities for trust and understanding. Without these conversations, misconceptions can grow unchecked, and small misunderstandings can harden into prejudice. Such disengagement also robs communities of the chance to discover shared values and work together on common concerns like education, public safety, and environmental care.
• Misrepresentation of faith: When a faith is misrepresented, it not only affects how others see the community but also how believers see themselves in the national story. Overcoming this requires patient, persistent engagement — showing through action and dialogue that the Gospel promotes love, peace, and mutual respect.
• Pastoral burnout: Many pastors struggle quietly with emotional and mental strain. The demands of ministry — from preaching to counselling, from administrative duties to community outreach — can be relentless, especially in a climate where social issues are complex and resources limited. Without adequate rest and support, pastoral fatigue can diminish a leader’s capacity to shepherd well, which in turn affects the health of the entire congregation.
So, how can believers do better?
- Rekindle grassroots connections: Churches can host community open houses, join in local clean-up drives, or organise shared meals with neighbours. These don’t have to be large-scale events. Sometimes the most meaningful connections happen when a few people gather over a simple meal and share their stories. These simple gestures can spark friendships that last longer than any official programme and create networks of mutual care that can respond quickly in times of crisis.
- Work together for the common good: Ecumenical and interfaith partnerships — such as the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism — can be strengthened to respond to community needs, from disaster relief to poverty alleviation. Working together also allows us to pool resources, coordinate aid more effectively, and reach communities that a single group might otherwise miss. Such cooperation can become a living testimony that Malaysia’s diversity is not a weakness to be feared but a strength to be embraced.
- Speak truth with love: Believers can help create a healthier national conversation by rejecting divisive rhetoric, standing for justice, and highlighting the inclusive vision of our Constitution. “Speak the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15, NLT) should guide our public engagement. This means addressing issues like corruption, discrimination, and inequality with honesty but also with humility, ensuring our words build bridges rather than walls.
- Care for those who care for others: We must not forget our pastors and ministry leaders. Churches can budget for counselling services, retreats, and peer support to help them serve with resilience. This support should not be limited to crisis situations; proactive care can prevent burnout before it begins. Congregations can create encouragement teams, ensure pastors have regular sabbaticals, and provide practical help like meal deliveries during busy ministry seasons.
- Serve the vulnerable: Partner with organisations to meet practical needs of the poor, marginalised, and displaced — living out the Gospel in tangible ways. Vulnerable groups often face layers of disadvantage, such as lack of access to education, healthcare, or safe housing. Churches can play a vital role by offering vocational training, setting up community kitchens, or providing tutoring for children from low-income families. In doing so, we embody the servant-hearted leadership of Christ, who came “not to be served, but to serve” (Mark 10:45, NIV).
A call to unity this Merdeka
Merdeka is not only a celebration of what has been won, but also a reminder of what still must be built. As Christians, we are called to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9, NIV), bridge-builders, and servants of all.
This year, let us remember that unity is not the absence of differences—it is the presence of love that binds us together. May our faith communities continue to stand alongside fellow Malaysians of every race and religion, so that together we may see a brighter, kinder, and more united Malaysia.
