YB Hannah Yeoh, Minister of Youth and Sports Malaysia(KBS), has explained the reason for giving an incentive of RM5 Million to the Football Association of Malaysia(FAM) after the end of duty in the AFC Asian Cup 2023.
Despite Malaysia being out of AFC Asian Cup 2023 after the end of the group stage after having 1 point from 3 matches played, it can make a surprise in the match draw against Korea Republic 3-3 in the last match.
She said that before she joined KBS, she had the opinion that there was no need to spend a lot of money on football, but now she understands this.
“Why give a lot of funds, up to RM5 million, to football? Before I joined KBSMalaysia, I also had the same opinion that there is no need to spend a lot of money on football. But now I understand.” YB Hannah Yeoh said on this page.
“Let’s compare. For the first time in 42 years, Malaysia qualified on merit for the Asian Cup. The ranking of the Malayan Tigers in the E team is the lowest. They are there to do their best. They tried. Against Jordan, lost. They tried again, against Bahrain, and played well but at the last moment, the opponent scored a goal. The Korean opponent was able to draw 3-3. Again, compare the rankings in this table.”
“Fans of the most popular sport in Malaysia are asking how the Government can help the Harimau Malaya team to progress further. Our target is for them to continue to qualify for the Asian Cup. But without funds, how can they compete? Let’s compare opposing funds.”
“Yes, the Harimau Malaya team needs more overseas exposure. Flying once is not cheap. This RM5 million fund can only help reduce the financial burden of the Football Association of Malaysia. FAM still needs to find additional funds. The Ministry of Finance has set conditions to monitor FAM’s use of these funds. It cannot be used for office operating costs, utility bills, and emoluments payments. This fund can be audited at any time.”
“We have 103 types of sports. Not all sports have the same number of fans. Thousands of people come out to watch once it’s on the big screen. The world football ecosystem is also different. The World Cup and Asian Cup involve billions of USD.”
“National football has progressed. As a government, we help as much as we can. I am confident that with other improvements that KBS will implement through tax incentives and talent development programs, we can continue to move forward.”
“I will meet coach Kim Pan Gon after this and hear his plan. Expert opinions are welcome, as well as the opinions of constructive critics who all want our team to succeed.”
“Football is commonly known as the people’s sport. It is appropriate for PMX and KBS to make a decision by channeling additional funds to FAM after Harimau Malaya managed to pull out their fangs in the Asian Cup and the average national football fan greatly appreciates the efforts made by Harimau Malaya.
“We always have to trust the process. Sooner or later, I’m sure Harimau Malaya will succeed one day.”
“I want to focus on the work ahead. Sports anthem for the country!”
Credit Photo : Hannah Yeoh
