In light of the coming 14th general election, Christian Federation of Malaysia (CFM) vice-chairperson reverend Eu Hong Seng said today that the church has always been a "nonpartisan" entity.

Speaking at CFM's annual Christmas high tea function, held at the Metro Tabernacle Church in Batu Caves, Eu also reminded guests that the churches' nonpartisan stance echoes that taken by Jesus Christ.

"As the general election is around the corner, I would like to take this opportunity to remind all on this Christmas day that our Jesus was a nonpartisan religious leader,” he said.

The reverend made reference to there being no revolt against the government of the day after Jesus’ crucifixion, and pointed to the emphasis placed on salvation in the hereafter – rather than on the politics of the day – after his resurrection.

Eu was quick to stress, however, that this does not mean that individual Christians cannot be involved in politics and social activism, pointing to Jesus being mindful of “the poor, the needy, the sick, the widows, the prostitutes, the children, and the tax collector."

He said that accordingly, individual Christians have a duty to contribute to society by helping those in need.

Reiterating the church’s stance, Eu said that the church is “neither pro- nor anti-government, or any political parties.”

"We have Christians on both sides of the political divide.

"So vote me must, and after we have voted, in God we trust," he said.

The function was hosted by the National Evangelical Christian Fellowship, which Eu also chairs, in rotation with CFM, the Council of Churches, and the Catholic Bishops' Conference.

Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak was initially scheduled to attend the gathering, but his speech was read out instead by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Joseph Kurup.

Besides Council of Churches secretary-general Hermen Shastri and other church leaders, also present at the event were PKR president Wan Azizah Wan Ismail and vice-president Tian Chua, as well as DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng.