By Danial Dzulkifly
SHAH ALAM, July 5 – In a show of bipartisan unity, the Selangor State Legislative Assembly approved an emergency motion to condemn the acid attack on footballer Faisal Halim in May.
The motion, introduced by Seri Serdang assemblyman Abbas Salimmi Che Adzmi to show solidarity with Faisal and other footballers who have experienced violence in recent months, was debated by representatives of all political parties and unanimously passed.
In his wind-up speech, state executive councillor for youth, sports and entrepreneurship Mohd Najwan Halimi lamented that sports, often a unifying force, has become divisive, with some taking their support to extremes.
“Sports, especially football, usually transcend state and political borders and are often seen as a unifying factor, but now, the opposite has manifested,’’ he said.
He thanked Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor for the latter’s support of Selangor FC, which showed the issue transcends political and state borders.
Najwan reiterated his condemnation of the attack, stressed the need to protect athletes, and expressed concern over the lack of information from police, urging them to intensify their investigation or provide case updates.
“We condemn the act and heed the decree of the state ruler and his wisdom on the matter. We have never seen an issue like this that has created such a tense situation in sport, to an extent that a state ruler has to voice his view.
“The sovereignty of the ruler is based on the will of the people, and I’m sure everyone in the assembly today is in full support of the state ruler,’’ he said.
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A billboard that reads “Stand with Faisal Halim. Stop the violence.” seen in Shah Alam on May 14, 2024. — Picture by MOHD KHAIRUL HELMY MOHD DIN/SELANGORKINI[/caption]
Responding to a question from Taman Medan assemblyman Dr Afif Bahardin about Selangor FC’s next steps following a reduced fine from the Malaysian Football League (MFL), Najwan said the club is considering an appeal to the Sports Arbitration Tribunal.
Najwan also discussed potential implications if Selangor FC were to withdraw from the Super League, noting that such a move would bring significant consequences as the team is a major stakeholder in the league.
“The Selangor FC management has decided to seek justice through the proper channels, but it is not wrong for us to think about Selangor FC participating in other international leagues, perhaps in Thailand or Indonesia, as those are more competitive.”
Previously, Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj slammed MFL for its hard-handed decision.
His Royal Highness did not mince words as he took the MFL and Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) to task after Selangor FC were fined RM100,000 for skipping a Charity Shield match with Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT).
Sultan Sharafuddin called the punishment senseless and outrageous, especially as JDT had already been given a 3-0 victory in the match.
He said Selangor FC’s decision to seek a postponement to the season opener, which he consented to, was rejected despite concerns surrounding players’ safety after the acid attack on Faisal.
“I’m perplexed the MFL and FAM did not show any compassion towards those wronged. Remember that this incident not only tarnishes the credibility of football in this country, but can also kill the spirit and direction of Selangor FC,’’ he said.
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Harimau Malaya star Faisal Halim seen at his first public appearance since a May 5 acid attack put him out of commission, at the Selangor FC training centre, Shah Alam, on June 13, 2024. — Picture by HAFIZ OTHMAN/SELANGORKINI[/caption]
On June 27, the MFL board adjusted its penalties on Selangor FC for the team’s no-show at the May 10 Charity Shield match.
The MFL reconsidered the penalties after Sultan Sharafuddin’s royal rebuke.
Its board of directors decided that:
- Selangor FC’s fine would be reduced from RM100,000 to RM60,000.
- Selangor FC must still pay compensation to the MFL and JDT for losses incurred due to their absence from the season opener at Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Johor. (The MFL said it will gather information on losses incurred by JDT and the MFL secretariat, which will be handed over to Selangor FC for further discussion.)
- Selangor FC’s three-point deduction in the 2024/2025 Super League would be cancelled. (If Selangor FC repeats the offence, the case will be brought to a disciplinary committee and stricter action will be taken.)
- Spectators are allowed to watch the Super League match between Selangor FC and JDT at the Petaling Jaya City Council Stadium.
