For an inclusive society

CNBM volunteers have a special calling at an hour such as this to be “salt and light in the world”, displaying both the compassion and justice to God. We recognise that Malaysia is at its most urgent hour as we are the closest generation to the year 2020. We have recently viewed the Eleventh Malaysia Plan for the next five years, where the policy framework is for an inclusive society. There is a new measurement index for poverty namely the Multi-dimensional Index and there is a commitment to address all the poor bottom 40% of our society on the basis of needs, and not race. Although this is a very positive welcome, we must face the realities and hurdles before us especially pertaining to service delivery and the rise inequalities. Alongside acts of service, we must be equally vocal in advocacy. Beyond spirituality alone, we must be adept in using the tenets of a human rights framework which encompasses a holistic perspective of living i.e. being able to enjoy economic, social and cultural, and civil and political freedoms. Based on the foundations of Scripture and our walk with our Lord Jesus Christ, let us play our role of speaking up for the voiceless (Prov 31:8-9). May God strengthen our conviction, deepen our wisdom and empower us to work alongside people in need. ----- Datuk Dr Denison Jayasooria is Programme Director of CNBM