PM announces RM1mil for KLFA, calls for more ethical sports culture

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has announced an allocation of RM1mil to the Kuala Lumpur Football Association (KLFA) in support of efforts to revitalise football in the capital city.

The Prime Minister said the government consistently encouraged the development of football, which he described as a people’s sport that was widely loved and participated in. However, he stressed that emphasis should be placed on infrastructure as a fundamental aspect in advancing the sport.

“This is an opportunity for us to elevate the status of national football, but it has to start from the basics. That is why what was raised just now about collaboration with the Education Ministry, the Higher Education Ministry, or other training institutes is important.

“It’s not just about funding, but adequate infrastructure is crucial – proper fields, training facilities, training academies – to ensure our children are trained well and in comfort,” he said in his speech at the KLFA’s 50th Golden Jubilee celebration here Saturday (July 12).

Also present were Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, who is also KLFA patron, and KLFA president Syed Yazid Syed Omar.

Meanwhile, Anwar also urged that sportsmanship be preserved, including proper conduct among supporters, who at times behaved beyond acceptable limits and tarnished the spirit of unity.

“There are groups of supporters that can sometimes get out of control… Losing does not mean the team should be ridiculed,” he said.