GE14 | The Catholic Bishops' Conference of Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei has urged adherents of the faith to make their vote count in the upcoming 14th general election.

According to conference president and Kuala Lumpur archbishop Julian Leow, adherents must exercise their democratic right to vote conscientiously.

“The upcoming election presents us, once again, with an opportunity to participate and exercise our democratic right to vote and choose our leaders.

“As responsible stewards, there is no room for attitudes of indifference or apathy towards the good governance of our country.

“Every vote helps set the direction of our country and society for the next five years, and it is only proper that we ask for divine assistance and guidance in our choices in order to allow our nation to flourish and continue to prosper,” he said in a pastoral letter.  

Corruption-free leaders

Leow stressed that voters need to choose leaders who are free of corruption who will ensure the wellbeing of all Malaysians.

“We need to choose leaders who truly care for the ‘rakyat’, promote justice and equality, stand up for principles with integrity and work for the common good of citizens and strive to build a cohesive, harmonious and prosperous nation.

“Therefore, as citizens, we ought to desire the best possible political leaders who are free of corruption so as to help us achieve the common good, and we have a responsibility to participate in the political process by voting,” he said.

The archbishop also called on Catholic voters to observe a number of actions, which include ensuring free and fair elections by volunteering to be polling and counting agents, and helping fellow voters by providing transportation to polling centres.

He also asked that they pray “without ceasing” throughout the election period, as well as for all political leaders to accept the outcome of GE14.

According to conscience

According to Leow, Catholics should vote not only through “prayerful consideration,” but according to their conscience – which, he added, should be based on the social teaching of the faith.

“The first and most essential principle of our social teaching is the dignity of every human person and each one’s basic right to life from conception to natural death.

“Many non-Catholics, too, think a society dedicated to the common good should protect its weakest members.

“May God bless you all and our country, Malaysia.”