Political parties set aside their rivalries at football match

PETALING JAYA: Political rivalries were set aside when Malaysia beat Indonesia at the Shah Alam stadium on Saturday to reach the SEA Games football final.

This was evident when Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin took a selfie with PKR vicepresident Nurul Izzah Anwar and Penang exco member Dr Afif Kamardin during the match.

“No political parties tonight. Just Malaysia,” tweeted Khairy in a post that has received more than 18,000 likes and been retweeted over 17,000 times.

In response, Nurul Izzah said: “Thanks 4 the unity, @khairykj. Superb game, see you during the finals # Ba ng k i t Bersama #HarimauMalaya.”

Her reply was retweeted and liked more than 4,000 times.

Khairy’s post was welcomed by netizens, who applauded the unity displayed by the politicians.

“Mature politics. This is what we want,” tweeted netizen @ Adbshukry.

Another wished for the Games to be held every year, if it would help to unite everyone.

“It’d be great if the SEA Games was held every year.

“There’s nothing to be politicised about, and everyone is united in the name of sports,” said @ DianaAzhar_

In the intense semifinal, Malaysia scored a crucial goal in the 85th minute through a header by striker N. Thanabalan.

Malaysia will meet Thailand in the final at the Shah Alam Stadium tomorrow.