Just as Sarawak is gearing for its most heated polls on Saturday, the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST) called for prayers for the well-being of the state.

mccbchst candlelight vigil 200607 freedom poster The interfaith group urged in a statement that all the 213 candidates "live up to common religious values, undertake to serve all their constituents and campaign with goodwill as well as strive for greater national unity".

Sarawak, the country's largest state, is often regarded as the BN's bastion as it supplies the government coalition with one-fifth of its 137 parliamentarians.

BN's innings in the coming legislative assembly's poll, according to political pundits, would be seen as an indication of the coalition's position and its chances in the event the general election is called before 2013.

Besides appealing to Sarawak voters to choose wisely and to make informed choices, the interfaith NGO also urged the public to be aware of the need to continue pushing for religious freedom, among others.

"The sincerity of verbal assurances by the authorities must be demonstrated by actual implementation so that every bona fide religious community can fulfil their respective religious obligations.

Avoid force in religious matters

"Arbitrary actions in blatant contravention of constitutional guarantees of religious freedom must stop.

"No religious community should be subjected to or forced to conform to the religious rules of another religion," said the statement acknowledged by its president Reverend Thomas Philips and the rest of the committee.

It also struck a cautionary note, pointing out that religious freedom is the foundation of a nation and if neglected would adversely affect national unity and integration.

"The religious communities within MCCBCHST are in earnest prayer that whichever side wins or loses in the coming electoral process, may the people of Sarawak be the real winners when their concerns and aspirations are addressed and resolved, and election promises are kept for the benefit of all," the statement said.