NECF Responds again to MPs Crossing Over to Other Political Parties

The National Evangelical Christian Fellowship (NECF) is responding, supposedly, to the statements given by Rev Wong Kim Kong in The Star on September 20 and to the reaction to Rev Wong's statements by Bob Teoh, also published in The Star on September 22. NECF's response, signed by her Chairman, is published in the letter to the editor section today (September 24).

Is this seen as "damage control"? Can NECF still remain non-partisan in light of the statements made by her Executive Advisor?

I choose to distance from NECF, yet once again.

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THE National Evangelical Christian Fellowship (NECF) wishes to urge all Christians to pray for the nation in these challenging times, especially for wisdom and discernment for the leaders of this nation in dealing with the current political and economic uncertainties.

The hype which has been generated about the change of government on Sept 16 has given rise to much debate and airing of views on the propriety and morality of an MP crossing over from the political party under whose banner he or she was elected to join another political party or to remain independent of any political coalition.

One view is that using the backdoor to form the Government is not credible and an undignified way of creating government authority.

However, one can argue that Article 48(6) of the Federal Constitution (which provides that an MP who resigns is disqualified for a period of five years from standing for elections as MP) prevents an MP from resigning based on principles and continuing to fulfil his role as a representative of the people.

Therefore, the option the MP is left with is to cross over to another political party under which he or she believes he or she will be able to carry out the mandate of the people who have elected him or her into office.

Evaluation of the appropriateness of an MP’s decision to “cross over” could only be meaningfully made if all contextual matters are taken into consideration.

It may be worth noting in this regard that historically, cross over by MPs and State Assemblymen is not something new to this nation.

In a vibrant society, diverse and differing views are only to be expected as people will always speak and act according to their conscience, values and beliefs.

As an organisation, NECF is non-partisan. Notwithstanding the fluidity of the circumstances, the focus of NECF must remain on nation building and the well being of the people of Malaysia must remain the priority.

REV DR EU HONG SENG,
NECF Chairman.