The 8-Step on how Malaysians can help solved the nation's economic woes with precepts from all the major Holy Books.

1. How Malaysians can help solve the economic woes of Malaysia with precepts from
the Holy Books
by Lt Cdr (Rtd) John Moi, RMN - Author of Servant Leadership 1.0 – Serve To Lead & 2.0 – Principles of
SERVANTHOOD.
Many signs are pointing to what some are calling the “biggest economic crisis of our beloved country
(>RM 1 Trillion national debt),” and a “financial tsunami, including the bailout of some of largest
institutions (including 1 MDB. PFI…) in our history, I believe we all have reason now to ask: “What can I
do, as an individual or collectively, to help solve this problem? ”I believe it is time we should start
helping the federal government as the final solution and mobilize the grassroots of this nation to bring
about the economic change that is desperately needs.
Here are the steps I believe will solve this crisis by each of us doing our part to work together on this on a
personal, local, and national level.
Step One: Ask Our God / Creator (according to our faiths) for Help
The most saddening error in all the news reports, public debate, and political rhetoric is that we have yet
hear any leader made any references for our collective need to look beyond ourselves for a solution and
turn to God Almighty. Yet, when we read of our political leaders identifying the root cause of this
meltdown as “greed or failure,” it is as if we have forgotten that greed or failure and its resulting
consequences are a heart problem, not a policy problem.
The Holy Books (including the Koran, Bible, Vedas, Tipitaka, Guru Grand Sahib, Kitab-i-’Quan,
Torah….) teach that money is not the solution to money problems. In fact, it says that whoever loves
money never has enough, and that the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. Money problems are
heart problems and can only be solved by a change of heart initiated by repentance and charity.
“When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a
plague among my people, if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and
seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin
and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:13-14, NIV).
“O men! Call to mind the grace of Allah unto you! Is there a Creator other than other than Allah to give
you sustenance from sky or earth, there is no god but He: how then are you deluded away from truth.”
(Fatir 35:3)
Step Two – A New Malaysian Plan
The first call for an emergency economic recovery plan for Malaysian citizens is to begin immediately.
The plan would be for every Malaysian to get his or her personal house in order as quickly as possible.
Throughout our history, we have shown that when leaders have called upon and trusted in the power and
capacity of the voluntary efforts of the Malaysian people, we have risen to the challenge. We are a resilient
people, willing to do our part in times of crisis. When there is a call to action, we will take up the
challenge with great resolve. Failure to do so will jeopardize our and the future of our generations after us.
As followers of God Almighty we should be prepared if we must endure another Great Financial Crisis.
We must show the world that what holds us together is not a political system, as great as it may be; it is
not capitalism, as great as it may be; nor is it even the democracy that has made this nation great. It is the
living out of our motto inscribed on our Rukunegara: Kepercayaan kepada Tuhan (Trust In God). The real
economic recovery needed is the recovery of the scriptural values of the Holy Books in our multi-faiths in

2. Malaysia that we hold dear. Call it "The New Malaysian Plan - Living Within Our God-given Means," a
concept as old as the Holy Books themselves. It was Almighty God who taught us to:
1. Honor Him with our wealth.
2. Save but do not hoard.
3. Get out of debt.
4. Invest wisely and steadily.
5. Use wealth to help one another.
6. Do charity for the benefit of your own souls.
Simply put, God wants us to live within our means so we can be free from all financial bondage and
burden. We must call for all places of worship, business community, and both the public and private
sectors to implement programs to lead the way.
The new government has launched a new fund initiative called the Tabung Malaysia to collect donations
from both the private and public sectors, individuals and organizations, from within and without to help to
ease our national debt and economic recovery. The new government is also in the forefront of recovering
money laundered by corrupted people and leaders from overseas offshore financial centres and countries.
Other immediate recovery actions by the new government includes cancelling and reviewing inflated
megaprojects and going after corrupted practices in both the public and private sectors to recover public
monies. Another proven initiative is to pare down our high interest debts by seeking new creditors that
offer no interest or very low interest loans with long repayment period or barter trade (proposed) options.
“And we shall forgive you your faults and increase (the portion of) those who does good.” (Al Baqarah
2:58)
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways
acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3: 5-6 NKJV)
Step Three - Become Culture Contrarians
Ask for the Malaysian citizens to show the way for the change we need. We have to reverse the sense of
order in our nation. Malaysian citizens must take the lead instead of relying on the federal or state
government. We must work together to save our nation.
We should look into the initiatives to support measures that create accountability for government officials
to get our federal, state, and local governments fiscally responsible and accountable. How can we demand
change when we reflect the same lack of self - control demonstrated by the spending habits of our
government? Malaysians as a whole should inculcate the spirit of thrift and wise spending and saving for
rainy days.
We must lead, not wait to be led. We need to be servant leaders (by default), not waiting to be served to
lead.
Step Four – Call For Non-Governmental Solutions for the Hurting, Needy & Poor
We must call on the business community to develop programs that help the real backbone of this culture,
the work force. Reward your employees who want out of the financial trap they are in, directly or
indirectly. Offer assistance to help people to refinance their houses, to downsize, to pay off mounting
credit card debt or to create small business activities to spur the economy.

3. As the pace gathers takes place, fellow Malaysians must seize the opportunity to help one another
regardless of race, religion and creed. Offer flexible schedules for the work-at-home parents. Have an
assistance plan to avoid foreclosure for those who will live on a budget and make necessary lifestyle
changes. Have daily community sharing days where everyone brings their meals to be shared (potlucks),
shares rides, and reduces wasteful spending. Reward those who have new ideas and ways to help improve
the financial health of the company or its employees and community. Encourage helping others in the
company and community and reward those who take initiative to do that.
Volunteer your time and resources to the NGOs that focus on helping the hurting, needy and poor.
Step Five – Mobilize the Power of Serving Each Other
We must call for a renewed purpose for neighbors and community service groups to find out how they can
innovatively help those facing foreclosure or looking for food in their communities. Step up and ask God
for creative solutions that complement the need for a government solution. Many people simply need
someone to help them see through the pressure and stress they face. Mobilize volunteers who have the
capacity to help, coach and counsel others in their time of need.
Knock on a neighbor’s door and ask if you can be of any help. Recommend they turn to any financial
institution where they can find trained financial coaches for-free services. Start a local food bank in your
community with shopping outlets doing their part in kind or in deed. Donate to the needy as you can.
Ask a retired banker, stockbroker or financial planner if they will help individuals learn basic money
management skills. Invite them to speak up in houses of worship, lunch meetings, or in a community room
of your apartment complex.
Set up assistance programs among professional associations that rewards being wise with money. Make
living within your means the expected culture in your groups. Religious leaders, doctors, lawyers, bikers,
athletes, car dealers, counselors, retired people, educators, and many more all have large associations that
can mobilize people to help others. Make it a goal that your association will implement a new plan to
educate those who struggle with financial issues and need a helping hand to those who are struggling to
survive another day without food or basic needs.
“And Allah gave them a reward in this world, and the excellent reward of the Hereafter, for Allah loves
those who does good.” (Ali Imran 3 : 148)
“Well done good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over
many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord.” (Matthew 25 : 23)
Step Six – Shift our Dependency from Man to God
Almighty God warned us that we must never place our hopes in anything or anyone other than Him.
Idolatry is seldom even mentioned in our culture any longer. It has become the norm to replace our
dependency on God with an exalted view of education, wealth, athletic ability, travel, entertainment, or
power. Hebrews 13:5-6 says, “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you
have, because God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.' So we say with confidence,
'The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?" (NIV).
“There is no moving creature on earth but its sustenance depends on Allah.” – (Hud 11:6)
This passage comes with a warning and a promise: money will leave you, God will not. Place your hopes
and dreams in a temporal idol and you will have temporal hopes and dreams, but place all of your hopes in

4. Him and He will never disappoint you.
“But when they forget the warning they had received, we opened to them the gates of all (good) things,
until, in the midst of their enjoyment of our gifts, on a sudden, we called them to account,…” – (Al-
An’aam 6:44)
Step Seven – Grow Deep for Stormy Days Ahead
As simple as it may sound, our nation is starve for Truth, for the security of immutable principles and
policies. That Truth can be found only in knowing and applying God’s Word. For the days ahead, we must
anchor our souls in Truth like the comfort found in -I Chronicles 29:11-12: “Everything in the heavens
and earth is Yours, O Lord, and this is Your kingdom. We adore you as being in control of everything.
Riches and honor come from you alone, and you are the Ruler of all mankind; Your hand controls power
and might, and it is at your discretion that men are made great and given strength” (LB).
“Who can be better in religion than one who submits his whole self to Allah, does good, and follow the
way of Abraham, the true in faith?” – (Al-Nisaa’ 4:125)
We must pray constantly to ensure that economic wealth therefore creates a community of faithful
Malaysians living in closely-knit social harmony, and equitably sharing economic prosperity. It must be a
community where justice and honesty prevail, tranquility and happiness abound and a sense of security
and unity prevail.
Step Eight – Establish Prayers for the well-being of the nation and people of Malaysians
It is important to establish daily prayers for the well-being of the nation and fellow Malaysians
individually or collectively in groups and in houses of worship or any gathering points.
“The Lord is righteous in all his ways…He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry
and saves them.” – (Psalm 145:17, 19)
“That He may reward those who believe and work righteous deeds, out of His bounty.” – (Al Rum 30 :45)
Related Precepts from other Holy Books
Here are some precepts from the other Holy Books for consideration:
Vedas (Hinduism) – “One who acquires knowledge and then pass it on to others, get all his wishes
fulfilled and achieves success, happiness and prosperity in one’s life.” – Atharva Veda
Guru Granth Sahib (Sikhism) – “Often repeated actions are engraved on the heart.” – Guru Nanak
Tipitaka (Buddhism) – “Whatever actions we are about to do should be thought about with utmost care
and concern for people will see them and be influenced by them for good or evil.” – Buddha
Kitab-i-Aqan (Bahai’ism) – “Put away the garment of vain glory, and divest yourselves of the attire of
haughtiness.” – Bahaullah (Persian Hidden Words 47)
Torah (Zionism) – “Do not separate yourself from the community.” – Misnah (Torah)

5. Summary
These are the eight steps that I believed would provide a lasting solution for the economic crisis we are
facing now. Anything short may postpone the pain but will not solve the root problem of our economic
woes.
Our motivation should be to get our own house in order and prepare to serve those around us who are
neither prepared or expecting the challenges we will face. The real antidote to our economic woes lies in
our hearts, in our beliefs, in our values, in our faith in God. God answers the prayers of His righteous
children from all races, religions and creed. I am sure Almighty God will not ignore the prayers of
thousands or millions of his people of all races, religions and creed in Malaysia!
“And Allah gave them a reward in this world, and the excellent reward of the Hereafter. For Allah loves
those who does good.” – (Ali Imran 3:148)
“We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his
purpose.” – Romans 8:28 NRSV
Lt Cmdr Johnny Moi (Ret) is the Founder / Advocate and freelance writer of Scripture to business (S2b)
applications writing. Email him: johnnymoi7@yahoo.com
Published May 2018

6. Summary
These are the eight steps that I believed would provide a lasting solution for the economic crisis we are
facing now. Anything short may postpone the pain but will not solve the root problem of our economic
woes.
Our motivation should be to get our own house in order and prepare to serve those around us who are
neither prepared or expecting the challenges we will face. The real antidote to our economic woes lies in
our hearts, in our beliefs, in our values, in our faith in God. God answers the prayers of His righteous
children from all races, religions and creed. I am sure Almighty God will not ignore the prayers of
thousands or millions of his people of all races, religions and creed in Malaysia!
“And Allah gave them a reward in this world, and the excellent reward of the Hereafter. For Allah loves
those who does good.” – (Ali Imran 3:148)
“We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his
purpose.” – Romans 8:28 NRSV
Lt Cmdr Johnny Moi (Ret) is the Founder / Advocate and freelance writer of Scripture to business (S2b)
applications writing. Email him: johnnymoi7@yahoo.com
Published May 2018