Malaysian sports community hails Ahmad Faizal's appointment

KUALA LUMPUR: Newly-appointed Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu is no stranger to the country's sporting arena as he brings with him not only administrative experience but also a burning passion and interest to help develop and improve sports and the lives of youth in the country.

National Sports Council (NSC) director-general Datuk Ahmad Shapawi Ismail, who welcomed Ahmad Faizal's appointment, said the Tambun MP's involvement in sports was proven after Perak successfully hosted the 2018 Malaysia Games (Sukma) under his leadership.

He also expressed confidence that Ahmad Faizal, 50, would embody the spirit of 'Malaysian Family' introduced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob and bring Malaysians, no matter their religion, race or social standing, together and lift the country to greater heights.

"Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu's appointment will instill the Malaysian Family spirit in the country's sporting community. As we all know, sports belongs to the entire Malaysian Family," he told Bernama today.

Last Sunday, Ismail Sabri introduced the Malaysian Family concept during his inaugural speech after being sworn in as the ninth prime minister of Malaysia, saying that it encompassed a more inclusive ideal that crossed the boundaries of religion, race and ethnicity.

Meanwhile, the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) also welcomed the appointment of the former Perak Menteri Besar, and hoped that the sports industry in the country, including domestic football, would receive the attention it deserved.

"We hope that with Datuk Seri (Ahmad Faizal) being a part of the country's sporting fraternity, he will be able to help improve the standard of the sports industry in Malaysia, and assist FAM to bring our country's football to greater heights," the FAM said in a statement today.

Meanwhile, the Malaysian Football League (MFL) stated their willingness to cooperate and fully support Ahmad Faizal to achieve sporting excellence in the country, especially the Malaysia League (M-League).

"With his experience, leadership and skills, we are certain that Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu will help elevate our country's sports to international excellence," the MFL said in a statement today.

Ahmad Faizal, who prefers being called 'Peja', is one of two new faces in the results-oriented Cabinet announced by Ismail Sabri in Perdana Putra today.

He will be assisted by Senator Datuk Seri Ti Lian Ker, who was appointed Youth and Sports deputy minister.

The Olympic Council of Malaysia and the Professional Footballers Association of Malaysia (PFAM) were also among those who welcomed Ahmad Faisal's appointment.

-- BERNAMA