PUTRAJAYA: Taking the advice from football legend Sir Alex Ferguson, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has announced a RM15mil financial boost for the national football team – Harimau Malaya, players’ welfare and training.
Announcing this, the Prime Minister, who professed to be a fan of the English football team Manchester United, said Ferguson had emphasised on how important it was to take care of players’ wellbeing.
“This is what I have learned from my meeting with him many years ago.
“If you take care of the players, 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.
Ferguson was Manchester United’s manager from 1986 to 2013.
Speaking at the Finance Ministry’s monthly assembly, Anwar said that by providing financial support, the national football team would also have the right training and coaching.
“I observe that many Malaysians love football and will go all out to support Harimau Malaya. So, I have decided to assist in strengthening the team.
“It is our hope that in the near future, our Harimau Malaya will become an Asian giant in football,” he added.
Anwar hoped the financial assistance would allow for the team to have both peace of mind and professional training – two elements required to make the team successful.
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 an excellent national football team that can bring the country’s name onto the international arena,” he said.
The Prime Minister revealed that despite being surrounded by fans of other English football teams, his support for Manchester United remained steadfast.
He told the crowd that everytime his team lost a match, his grandchildren, who are fans of Arsenal and Liverpool, would make fun of him.
“I have always been a Manchester United supporter. My grandkids tell me that I am ancient and that my team is history.
“But I tell them no, I will not change my support to another team,” he said, adding that this showed that sports, particularly football, transcends generations.
