Dr Wee congratulates Harimau Malaya on qualifying for 2023 Asian Cup finals

PETALING JAYA: Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong has congratulated the national football team on their qualification for the 2023 Asian Cup finals.

The MCA president praised the Harimau Malaya squad for their determination and perseverance after ending a 43-year wait to compete in the finals of the prestigious cup.

“Way to go Harimau Malaya!

“With determination and without knowing the meaning of despair, nothing is impossible to achieve.

“After 42 years, Malaysia has finally qualified for the Asian Cup which will be held in China next year,” he said in a Facebook post on Wednesday (June 15).

Dr Wee congratulated the Harimau Malaya squad for their previous wins too.

“Well done Harimau Malaya squad!

“Not only for last night's win, but also for the determination shown by all the players in their previous games.

“Thank you to all the loyal supporters who continue to give support no matter in the winning moment or otherwise.

“With the endless support to Harimau Malaya, this is what gives strength to the players of the country in continuing the fight,” he said.

Dr Wee added that he was moved by the singing of supporters of multiple religions, races and backgrounds in the stadium on Tuesday (June 14) night.

“Inilah barisan kita... yang ikhlas berjuang... siap sedia berkorban... untuk ibu pertiwi... and 'Ohh ayuh, ayuh Malaysiaku. Hari ini, kita mesti menang...'," he quoted the fans as singing.

Malaysia has finally qualified on merit for the Asian Cup finals after trying for over four decades.

Muhammad Safawi Rasid, Dion Cools, Muhammad Syafiq Ahmad and substitute Darren Lok scored the four goals for Malaysia on Tuesday night while Bangladesh’s solitary goal came from Mohammad Ibrahim.

The last time Malaysia made an appearance at the Asian Cup finals was in 2007 as joint hosts, having failed for 42 years to qualify on merit since 1980 in Kuwait.

That came to an end with Malaysia’s 4-1 victory against Bangladesh.