By Enoch Lim
Christmas is around the corner and the year 2024 will soon end.
I am sure we have all faced our share of joys and sorrows this year – perhaps marriages, new relationships, jobs, new environments, friends and communities.
But we have also experienced broken relationships, conflicts, disasters and the loss of loved ones.
I, too, have found myself on a rollercoaster of expected and unexpected events, experiencing both happiness and sadness.
As we venture into a new year, what can we hope for, and what should we reflect upon? Our place in this world is often driven by a greater purpose in life, and I firmly believe there is perfect timing under God’s sovereignty.
There is a place and purpose for us wherever we are, but are we making a desirable transformation for the greater good of people and country?
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I write this not just to maintain our hopes during these trying times, but to raise concerns about corruption in our system.
Right now, my politically aware friends and I feel disillusioned with how things are progressing. Change appears minimal and slow, as if we’re living in a ‘status quo’. Even those who don’t actively follow political news have noticed things are not moving in the right direction.
We have seen evidence suggesting a longstanding culture of corruption, particularly recently in Sabah. People have expressed concern about what appears to be a lack of transparency and accountability from leaders. Our interests do not seem to be relevant and have often fallen on deaf ears.
We have also seen major mishaps and mismanagement.
When floods came and struck homes and villages, were our leaders present as soon as they could to ease the plight of those affected?
When we saw people being arrested for pointing out some obvious wrongs, did anyone come out and defend them?
When a whistleblower came out with explosive information about corruption, what action was taken?
When people of allegedly dubious morality rose to power, where was the outcry?
When wars broke out elsewhere, why do foreign needs seem to take precedence over local concerns?
Our freedom of speech and assembly faces questions, despite the government’s assurances of ‘Reformasi’ and promised change.
Where then is our strong government and opposition?
However, we cannot pin the blame solely on leaders. The people, too, have perhaps grown complacent, often limiting their response to social media complaints. I, too, am guilty of this in more ways than one.
Yet it must not obscure the fact that certain aspects of Malaysia’s governance warrant attention.
Despite all this, I see hope, knowing there are those willing to stand up for what they believe is right for this nation and its people. After all, as the saying goes, “the only thing necessary for the persistence of evil is for enough good people to do nothing.”
While expectations from institutions might need tempering, we the people know we can help ourselves by first practising self-care and then extending that care and compassion to our communities. It takes just small acts of kindness to demonstrate our capacity for love, mercy and justice, without expecting returns. These are innate God-given values, and we must put them to good use.
I encourage everyone not to lose faith and hope for the future. Instead, let us look forward with new resolve and count our blessings. For those able to make change, let us make our voices heard in whatever way possible.
We should also cherish our loved ones and reach out to those in need. Has anyone wronged you? Forgive them, even when difficult. Is there anyone you need to apologise to? Deal with it swiftly – and peace shall come to your heart and soul.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me – put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:8-9)
Likewise, in this Christmas season, we are reminded of God’s faithfulness and promises.
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. – Isaiah 9:6
Friends, we may not share the same faiths and worldviews, but may these words resonate within your hearts to do and live for what is right. Let us look forward for the great hope and blessings we may receive from God. In turn, may we bring the same to others.
May this Christmas season be a season of joy and peace for all of us. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2025!
Enoch Lim from Sabah is currently doing a masters in public administration at a public university in the peninsula. He had earlier studied in Sarawak for a degree in politics and government studies.
- Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
- Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
- Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
- Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
- Lawan rasuah dan kronisme
When a Nation is led by felons