DR M: WE CAN QUALIFY FOR WORLD CUP
Dr M hopes national team will work hard and be determined
PRIME Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has a dream — to see Malaysia qualify for the World Cup. In his speech in conjunction with the national-level National Sports Day 2018 (NSD) yesterday, Dr Mahathir compared the achievements of the national team to that of South Korea and Japan, which were considered much better.
“Malaysia used to be known for being good in football, especially during the Merdeka Tournament.
“Others were not that good in football. The Japanese weren’t that good, neither were the South Koreans. And, we were the ones who were good at the time.
“We played football wearing football boots, and they played barefoot. But now, the ones who were once barefoot are playing and competing in the World Cup.
“Malaysia, which played even from those days wearing football boots, had not even qualified for the World Cup,” he said.
Dr Mahathir hoped the national team would be determined and work hard to realise the dream of qualifying for the World Cup.
“I am confident that Malaysia can do it, it’s just that we need to put in a little bit more effort. To become champions in football, a lot of hard work and effort must be put into training.
“If effort and determination are put into training, we can be that good once again.
“Insya-Allah, one day Malaysia will play in the World Cup and record victory. We can do it, Malaysia Boleh!” said Dr Mahathir.
Meanwhile, Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman said he accepted the prime minister’s challenge to improve the quality of Malaysian football until the national team could qualify for the World Cup.
“It is a challenge that I accept. Such a challenge just goes to show that Tun Dr Mahathir is concerned about the development of sports in the country.
“We definitely want to see this continue and Insya-Allah, we can move forward together,” said Syed Saddiq.