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On Saturday, April 28, many Malaysians will converge at the historic Dataran Merdeka in support of BERSIH’s call for a free and fair electoral system in Malaysia.

Even as I write, the authorities are preparing to lockdown the Dataran in their effort to thwart the plans of the BERSIH 3.0 supporters.

If this standoff continues until 12 pm tomorrow, there will only be one outcome, i.e. a repeat of the violent crackdown on the protestors by the police which happened in July 2011.

Many have asked whether I will participate in the BERSIH sit-in at Dataran Merdeka. Well, many are also aware of my personal conviction as far as BERSIH is concerned.

This message is neither to encourage our pastors and members to join the sit-in nor to discourage their participation. Rather, this is a humble call to you, as members and friends of the Lutheran Church, to say a prayer for our nation comes April 28. Malaysia is in dire need of your prayer support as she faces many uncertainties in the near future.

So, whether you are sitting on the manicured lawn of Dataran Merdeka, or stretched out comfortably in your sofa at home watching the events of the day unfold, I hope you will intercede for our country. Pray that goodness, justice, and peace will always prevail over extremism, racism, discrimination and other forms of evil. Pray for a better Malaysia.

Finally, I urge those who plan to be part of the human wave washing towards Dataran Merdeka tomorrow, please keep safe at all times. Also take care of the wellbeing of those around you.

May the risen Lord grant us the faith to face the challenges and the grace to love others.

Bishop Philip Lok

April 27, 2012