 Over 200 pastors and church leaders from around 40 churches in the Klang Valley, had an animated dialogue with the Democratic Action Party (DAP) on Feb 27, just 10 days before the 12th general election. The dialogue was jointly organised by NECF Malaysia and Oriental Hearts and Minds Institute to allow DAP to present their election manifesto to the evangelical Christian community and for the latter to seek answers to their questions.
Led by party secretary-general and current Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, the DAP team comprised party economic adviser Tony Pua, Teresa Kok, Hannah Yeoh and Dr Cheah Wing Yin.
Lim kicked off the forum with a half-hour talk on what DAP would do to make a difference in the political atmosphere in the country. He highlighted core election issues such as inflation that has particularly affected the poor; the grave crime situation; corruption; and the ineffectiveness of the authorities in dealing with the many issues plaguing the country.
During the question and answer time, a member of the floor asked what reforms DAP would put in place if it came into power, especially in its strategy to revitalise economic growth. DAP economic adviser and current Petaling Jaya Utara MP Tony Pua replied they had an alternative budget and would adopt a more viable economic policy.
In November last year, NECF organised a similar dialogue with MCA, which was attended by over 100 pastors and Christian leaders.
At the end of the dialogue, NECF presented a memorandum to MCA, which expressed the evangelical Christians’ concerns over several issues. The memorandum also pledged its commitment to nation building. (See Berita NECF, November-December issue.)
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