PUTRAJAYA: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has announced a RM15mil allocation for the Malaysian national football team, better known as Harimau Malaya, that will go towards players’ welfare and training purposes.
The Prime Minister said by providing financial support to the team, Harimau Malaya would have the right training and coaching to become an Asian giant in football in the future.
“I see that many Malaysians love football and will go all out to support Harimau Malaya.. So, I have decided to assist in strengthening the national team,” he said at the Finance Ministry’s monthly gathering on Tuesday (Sept 3).
Anwar said for Harimau Malaya to excel, it was important for players, the manager and coaches of the national team to have their welfare taken care of so that they could remain focused on training.
He said equally important is access to proper training facilities, adding that the allocation would allow for the team to have both peace of mind and professional training.
“This is what I have learned from my meeting with (former Manchester United manager) Alex Ferguson many years ago.
“If you take care of a player’s welfare and wellbeing, look into their needs, get connected with their families, they will be able to focus on football, play well and excel for the team,” he explained.
The Prime Minister said he would be meeting with the Football Association of Malaysia to inform them of the government’s decision.
“We will also look at the possibility of having an officer from the ministry to monitor the finances to ensure it is managed accordingly.
“What we want for Malaysia is not just to have a good and solid economy but to have a an excellent national football team that can bring the country’s name onto the international arena,” he said.
