Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin attributed Malaysia's 3-1 win over Singapore last night to the fighting spirit of the players.

"After Singapore scored (equaliser), our team did not despair. Some may say we won because of the penalty kick. This is true as the penalty was won because of our fighting spirit," he told reporters after launching the 'Stop the Violence Against Women' forum at University Malaya here, today.

Malaysia beat defending champions Singapore 3-1 in the AFF Suzuki Cup Group B match at National Stadium, Singapore last night.

Khairy urged Harimau Malaya supporters to converge on Shah Alam Stadium when Malaysia clashed against Vietnam in the first semi-final match on December 7.

He was confident in the ability of coach Dollah Salleh and hopes the critics would be less critical of the national squad.

"Do not pre-judge Harimau Malaya but give the squad our support."

PHOTO GALLERY: AFF SUZUKI CUP: MALAYSIA THROUGH TO SEMIS

In the match, Malaysia opened scoring via striker Safee Sali (61st min) before Singapore equalised via Mohammad Khairul Amri Mohammad Kamal (83rd min).

Midfielder Safiq Rahim put Malaysia in front after converting a penalty in the 91st minute.

Veteran striker Indra Putra Mahyuddin put the game beyond Singapore's reach when he scored three minutes later to make it 3-1.

Group B champions Thailand will face Group A runner-up Philippines in another semi-final clash of AFF Suzuki Cup 2014.