What Malaysians say...

Muhammad Amirul Akmal Amaludin, mechanical engineering student.

“Having naturalised players in the national team will give the squad more depth and quality in every position.

“I reckon, if we can get more quality naturalised players, it would help Malaysia to win more international matches, and in doing so, improve our Fifa ranking, which has been in the doldrums for so long. I am all for naturalised players in the national team.”

Ikram Ahmad, 24, communication studies student.

“In the short haul, the national team should be able to improve with good naturalised players. For a start, we can consider those who have been playing in the local league for quite some time.

“Naturalised players are nothing new in the football scene. We have seen many countries which have benefited from this move. France, for example have won the World Cup twice, with naturalised players. England and Belgium have also been doing well of late, largely due to the presence of naturalised players in their squad. Closer to home, we have the Philippines, who were once the whipping boys of football and now quite a powerhouse, and are even placed higher than Malaysia in the Fifa ranking.”

Mohd Syabil Qadri, 23, Syariah studies student.

“It is a good move, one that will benefit the national team and make them more competitive at international level.

“A good example is Gambia-born Mohamadou Sumareh, Malaysia’s first naturalised player who is currently playing for Pahang. His presence has added more strength to the national team’s attacking position, with his skill and vision.”

Ikmal Hakim Ibne Walid, 25, university student.

“I believe the presence of naturalised players will cause local players to be more competitive for a place in the national team. Other countries have improved by leaps and bounds with naturalised players. It's time for Malaysia to do the same. The fans will love it if Malaysian football improves.”

Amin Zakaria, 22, barista.

“It’s definitely a good idea. The national team are currently lacking in every department. We are losing matches. Even teams that we used to beat easily are no easy meat these days. Hopefully, with the presence of naturalised players, our fortunes will change for the better.”

Syed Zahir Aljufri, 23, human resource staff.

“The idea of having more naturalised players in the national team sounds good. But I worry that local players will be deprived of a place in the squad. While we may win more matches and climb up the Fifa rankings, we could be overlooking local talents, which might not be good in the long run.”

Megat Iskandar, 22, student.

“It’s a bold move but certainly a good one. With good, naturalised players, it will transform the weak national squad into a force to reckon with. With these players, combined with a sound tactical and technical gameplay, Malaysian football will soar.”