Pastoral Message on PRN (State Elections) – “Our moral duty to vote”

“All citizens should be mindful of the right and also the duty to use their vote freely to further the common good.” 

Gaudium et spes – Church in the Modern World, n.75

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Hardly nine months have passed since our nation had its national general elections (GE 15) and after weeks of intense wrangling and negotiations, a coalition government has emerged. Tomorrow, many of us will be going to the polls again to cast our vote at the state level.

Though many of us feel the fatigue of enduring more politicking and posturing by politicians, it is incumbent on us to exercise not only our civic duty but our Christian obligation to exercise our right to vote. Voting expresses our love for our country and its people.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that “submission to authority and co-responsibility for the common good make it morally obligatory to pay taxes, to exercise the right to vote, and to defend one's country.” (CCC 2240)

We must cast our vote through prayerful consideration and in accordance with our conscience formed by the Catholic faith. Let us also consider the following before making our decision:

1. Scrutinise the candidate and his or her party’s position on religious freedom and protection of the rights of minorities;
2. Ensure that they must be persons of integrity, free from corruption;
3. If the candidate is an incumbent, check his or her performance since the last elections;
4. Is the candidate someone trustworthy and accountable to the electorate or has he switched political alliances for personal gain?

We, the priests of Holy Family Kajang, would like to call all parishioners to offer up prayers for a safe and trouble-free elections and entrust the fate of our state to God. “If the Lord does not build a house in vain do its builders toil. If the Lord does not guard a city in vain does its guard keep watch.” (Psalm 127:1)

For those who are worried about the future of our country and state, let us heed the advice of St Clare: “Do not be disturbed by the clamour of the world, which passes like a shadow.” More importantly, she tells us: “Don’t be afraid. Trust in Jesus.”

May the Holy Spirit, grant us the wisdom and fortitude we need in choosing those who will represent and lead us in our state assembly and government. Therefore, we urge you, pray, stand up, uphold the common good, choose wisely, and your vote will be a blessing for our state.

God bless Selangor!

Your loving shepherds,

Fr Michael Chua, Fr Philip Chua and Fr Bonaventure.
11th August 2023
Memorial of St Clare of Assisi