Church leaders in the country have issued pastoral letters (official letters from a bishop to the clergy or the faithful) to Christians to come out in full force to vote on polling day.

In his message, the Bishop of the Diocese of Melaka & Johor, Bernard Paul said: "This GE14 is that moment to move for a better Malaysia and a better future to create a nation that we can be proud of and die for.

"It is the time to come out and vote, to fulfil your civic duty. This is not the time for excuses," the bishop said in his letter posted on the diocese website on April 11.

He said polling day is the day for everyone to step out and vote and to make "your stand" for the good of the nation.

"Neither your work nor your ‘created obstacles’ should prevent you from being at the polling station. Do not let yourself be intimidated.”

He also called on Catholics to offer daily prayers on the personal level and in cell groups and during the celebration of the Eucharist for the good of the nation.

Quoting the gospel, he said: "As Catholics, we should stand up and follow the command to fulfil our civic duty. Jesus said, 'Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar; and to God the things that are God’s.'"

Bishop Ong Hwai Teik of the Methodist Church of Malaysia in his letter dated April 11 described polling day on May 9 as a historic moment.

"May this important and strategic day be a blessing to the nation. Each of us must come out to vote, undeterred by timing and inconvenience to undertake our civic duty to vote.

"Seek God and discernment when you cast your vote. Choose candidates who are just, compassionate and committed deeply to the welfare of the people,” he added.

'Pray for the nation'

He said it was important for candidates to uphold the rule of law and honour the federal constitution and courageously act to unite the people of Malaysia.

He also suggested that Christians should come together to pray for the nation so that everything will be smooth and uneventful.

"Let us all pray and fast for peace, fairness and orderliness towards the run-up to polling day. Let us pray for integrity, transparency and propriety of the electoral process by all political parties, candidates and government agencies," added Ong.

Both prelates, Paul and Ong also called on their flock to help one another to arrive at the polling stations.

"Arrange car-pooling and transportation for those who live in isolated areas. It is important and charitable to help the sick and infirm as well as the elderly by providing transportation for them, so they too can cast their vote," they said.

They have also called on their flock to serve as polling and counting agents to help in the verification process after the ballot boxes are returned to the counting stations.