Dear YB Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman,
When we were children, football used to adorn our lives. From the television to the field, we only thought about playing, learning and watching the game. Even in school, we could not care less about other subjects, but when it came to Pendidikan Jasmani (Physical Education), we just changed into our sporting attire and ran to the field. For 30 minutes, we were in another world. The field was our playground and it gave us some respite - Almost seven hours of lessons and scolding from teachers can be a pain at times.
Football has been a staple in Malaysia for many, many years. People from all walks of life knew a thing or two about the beautiful game. Our fathers used to tell us stories about Mokhtar Dahari, R. Arumugam, Hassan Sani, James Wong, Peter Rajah, M. Chandran, Soh Chin Aun and Santokh Singh. These players were revered by fans and children wanted to emulate their stories.
Some would sacrifice their comfortable lives to chase their dreams. The game was too good resist. Everybody wanted to be a baller, and they wished to roll for the nation. It was all passion, determination and love for the country. Those were the days, they said. Listening to our fathers gushing about the old days was beautiful.
As kids, we wanted that again. We wanted Malaysian to be at its best. These days though, we wish we had a time machine so we can revel in the past and not be depressed about the present.
For Malaysian football fans, this is not a time to live in. There is a point where your optimism ends. And it’s now. We’re in the deepest trenches of the ocean, and there appears no way out. Over the years, it has been bittersweet, and we have seen football being taken over by a game called the “blame game”.
To be fair, if it was an Olympic sport, Malaysia would have received its first-ever gold medal. Yes, people are entitled to their opinions and views, but fans, we wish these views came to fruition. The problem is, it’s all talk but no action.
Amidst all these, there was one hope, and it was called the National Football Development Programme (NFDP). It gave us renewed hope and optimism, but as fans, we told ourselves to be patient and not to expect instant results. We cannot ‘ramen’ into success immediately. Maybe it is time we become Malaysians again - Patient, harmonious and optimistic.
The NFDP, which was established in 2011 and went full on 2014, is funded and managed by the Youth and Sports Ministry to help the country breed world-class footballers and help Malaysia to qualify for the FIFA Under-17 World Cup finals, which we have missed out.
The first generation of NFDP players was supposed to deliver that, but the side failed to qualify for the next round of U-16 AFC Championship after losing 2-0 to Japan in the final group match.
Yes, the key performance index (KPI) was to qualify for the U-17 World Cup, but this is a long-term project. These young lads are 16 and below, and we think it is a little harsh to expect them to achieve results immediately. When we were youngsters, we used to experience failures but giving up was never an option.
NFDP management may have set lofty ambitions and showed some ego when their development teams fared well in invitational international tournaments. Expectations were high, but as a fan, we were happy to see intent from the players. Win or lose, they will learn and only be better.
But what happened after the tournament was undoubtedly shocking. Relieving Lim Teong Kim off U-16 duties, questioning his big salary and doubting the whole programme showed our ugly side. We tend to make knee-jerk reactions, and it does not work most times. Yes, I do agree that the NFDP management showed some arrogance and confidence due to its performances in invitational tournaments and also infrastructure, which is brilliant for a youth programme but to us, they should have been given the chance to answer.
Instead of wielding the knives, a post-mortem would have sufficed. To us fans, development means consistent investment and support in any situation. Believe in the idea and system and never give up on it. If there are loopholes, work on plugging it. Disbanding a running program is not going to help matters and think about the thousands of youngsters who are part of the programme.
Honourable minister, you did pledge to save the National Football Development Programme (NFDP) and at the same time reduce the burden on the National Sports Council (NSC). For the programme to continue, you mentioned it will require changes based on the funding available.
It is good to see such a reaction from you, but it would be great if experts are brought in to enhance the programme. To me, this exit would teach a lesson or two for Lim Teong Kim and the upper management of NFDP. They should be given a chance to explain.
It’s about time we tell ourselves that sports is beyond politics. Never make a hasty decision that could affect the lives of many children out there. We know you have lots in your plate and to help ease the burden, enlist football experts and stakeholders to address the situation. To us, NFDP is hope in a black hole called Malaysian football.
It is disappointing to see the state of football in our country, but this should come as no surprise. We have seen many promises time and time again left unfulfilled by associations. Former and current coaches have lamented the state of football in this country.
One coach told us stories about one football association and why Malaysian football will never go forward. Like any other reporter, we wanted to do a story, but he told us not to do so because he might lose his job. Many out there would be in his predicament. If they speak out, it may be useful for our football. If one speaks out, we are sure others would follow suit.
Some have years of experience, and their pointers make sense – but they are just not heard. It's sad that they're keeping their feelings and thoughts inside of them. If we want to change our fortunes, it's time to be bold. You don't need to be a royal or a politician to do so. If you feel something isn't right, just say it. Football in this country is slowly losing its lustre, and it's sad to see Malaysian football in such a state. It is time we bring these people out for the betterment of our football.
Dear honourable minister, you would want to listen and understand about the game better. Some fans have called you DOTA Minister because of your support for e-sports, but we believe you can fix the rut and help mobilise change in Malaysian football. A rallying call would suffice. Get people to support our football. At the moment, we are done with politics, we want solutions. We are glad you want to speak to fans and at the same time explain the current situation we are in.
Great… But we have had many talks with fans, but we still are in the same predicament. All talk, no action is a real bane in our country. At least NFDP is a long-term programme, and we are seeing the results of it albeit the exit.
We urge you to be patient in this matter. Football is a sensitive subject. Many of us love the game and programmes like NFDP give us hope. Any failure can be remedied. Nothing lasts forever, and we believe the plan will produce the next pool of talented players for our nation. Trust the DNA and process. Any move will not be a populist move. Instead of thinking like a minister, it is time you be in the shoes of the fans.
Instead of questioning Lim Teong Kim's salary, it is time you think about the direction of our football. Do not interfere but make your presence felt by listening to ideas and counselling football bodies around the nation. NFDP should set off a chain of movements among football affiliates in Malaysia, but some are still mired with problems and let's not forget, politicians still reign supreme in these associations. You did mention politicians should be out of sports associations, but I guess you forgot to send that memo to your colleagues. Some Pakatan Harapan politicians are helming top positions in some football associations.
Problems are colossal and let's not make it murky by issuing rash or ill-defined statements. The game deserves some respect!
This is a long letter but a heartfelt one. We see hope in our football. Let’s not ruin the momentum.
Demi bolasepak kita (For our football),
Loghun, John and Avinesh from The Armchair