The Christian community in Malaysia must be politically relevant and make their voices heard, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Paul Low.

Low told the annual Christian Federation of Malaysia Christmas high-tea function in Kuala Lumpur today that Christians must influence policy in ways which reflects their religious convictions.

"I'm not saying you must form a political party... Until you are politically relevant, you will not be relevant.

"I'm not talking about engaging in politics, but you should be able to influence policy in a way that reflects the righteousness of God almighty," said Low during his speech.

His message comes after the Sabah Council of Churches president Rev Jerry Dusing called on the government to be truthful about the 1MDB controversy and the "hudud bill".

Speaking up is a duty

When asked to comment on Dusing's statement, Kuala Lumpur Archbishop Julian Leow what was said was nothing out of the ordinary.

"Asking people to own up to what is happening is a normal request especially when public money is in question.

"I think we have to speak up and we have to question," Leow said when met by reporters.

As for how the Christian community can be politically relevant, he said politics and political parties must be distinguished.

At the same time, he said the Church must speak out against injustice and wrongdoing.

"So the Church have been speaking on these things. If we do not speak, we are not doing our duty," he said.

Meanwhile, the archbishop said his Christmas wish was for Malaysians to work together for the betterment of the country.

"I would like all of us to have hope because I think at the moment the feeling (is that) everything doesn't seem to be going well in the country," he said.