During the late 18th and 19th centuries, Great Britain established colonies and protectorates in the area of current Malaysia; these were occupied by Japan from 1942 to 1945. In 1948, the British-ruled territories on the Malay Peninsula formed the Federation of Malaya, which became independent in 1957. Malaysia was formed in 1963 when the former British colonies of Singapore and the East Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak on the northern coast of Borneo joined the Federation. The first several years of the country's history were marred by a Communist insurgency, Indonesian confrontation with Malaysia, Philippine claims to Sabah, and Singapore's secession from the Federation in 1965. During the 22-year term of Prime Minister MAHATHIR bin Mohamad (1981-2003), Malaysia was successful in diversifying its economy from dependence on exports of raw materials to expansion in manufacturing, services, and tourism. (CIA)

1. There is an apathetic behavior of youths towards the developments in the country, many have given up on the country and resorted to migration.

2. More youths are embracing the culture of clubbing, alcoholism and drug abuse as means to seek relief from the pressure of studies and society.

3. Due to negative influences from the West, most youths find sexual activities such as pre-marital sex, pornography and masturbation acceptable.

4. Significant number of youths identifies themselves strongly with their respective race and religion, discouraging unity and cooperation between people groups within the multicultural society.

1. Government practices are pro-Islam. Propagation to Muslims is prohibited under most State laws. Churches face harassment and restrictions on places for worship, visas for foreign missionaries and the usage of religious words (such as "Allah" for God) in the national language. Unreasonable laws such as Internal Security Act is used to curb religious freedom.

2. Secularism and relativism has entered into the Church at the expense of the absolute truth, especially among the younger people who are second generation Christians. While false doctrines such as Prosperity Gospel are not prevalent, some churches are facing problems on finances, moral and leadership and accountability issues.

3. While overall unity among churches and denominations has improved over the years, the sprouting of independent churches with each focusing on their respective agendas and theological emphasis can cause duplication of efforts and dissipation of resources.

4. Traditionally, the majority of Christians are politically uninvolved but since the political tsunami in the 2008 election, the church is now speaking up on issues of national righteousness, public justice, economic sufficiency and social peace. The church however, needs much wisdom and prayer as she treads cautiously in the public square to become its salt and light.