Khairy wants World Cup bid to be meticulously planned

Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin Abu Bakar said the proposal of the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) with other ASEAN countries to make a joint bid to host the 2034 World Cup should be made with meticulous planning.

In expressing his support, the minister said the proposal originated from FAM when he was FAM deputy president II from 2007 to 2010.

"I see the (joint) bid is being taken seriously and I think it is a good idea," he told reporters after receiving a briefing on the ministry in Putrajaya, Friday.

Khairy Jamaluddin who officially took up his duties as the new Youth and Sports Minister Friday said he would be seeking an audience with FAM deputy president Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah shortly to discuss the bid further.

"In principle, I see it as a good idea and we should carry out proper planning. Even though the bid will be made by the association (FAM), the government will handle the facilities and so on," he said.

Two days ago, Tengku Abdullah, who is also a committee member of the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF), had said 2034 was the most suitable year for Southeast Asia, especially Malaysia to host the World Cup.

Tengku Abdullah envisioned in 2034, Malaysia could be a World Cup host together with another ASEAN country as done by Japan and South Korea in 2002.

The media reported that he had also chaired an ASEAN-level committee for the World Cup bid and it was expected to be announced after a meeting of ASEAN country representatives on June 16.

Khairy Jamaluddin and his deputy, Datuk M. Saravanan commenced their official duties Friday after taking their oaths of office before Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah at Istana Negara Thursday.