By Aliff Haiqal Mohamed
SHAH ALAM, Aug 4 — A friendly football match between the Selangor Menteri Besar and Kedah Menteri Besar select teams stands as proof of mature politics, despite differing party affiliations.
Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari said political differences do not stop the Selangor government from extending warm hospitality to its Kedah counterpart during the latter’s official visit to the state yesterday.
“Since there was an official visit from Kedah, we decided to organise this casual event. A relaxed and friendly atmosphere works better than something too formal. We put this together for the spectators and guests who travelled from the north,” he said during the event.
Earlier, the Kedah Menteri Besar Selection defeated Selangor 8-5 in the match held at the Selangor FA Training Centre.
The match was graced by the presence of Raja Muda Selangor Tengku Amir Shah.
The Selangor Menteri Besar Selection featured players including Amirudin himself, state executive councillor for sports Mohd Najwan Halimi, Selangor FC star Mohamad Faisal Abdul Halim, and several state legends like Datuk Zainal Abidin, Shahril Arsat, and Asmawi Bakiri.
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(from left to right) Raja Muda Selangor Tengku Amir Shah and Selangor FC star Mohamad Faisal Abdul Halim during the friendly football match between the Selangor Menteri Besar and Kedah Menteri Besar select teams, at the Selangor FC Training Centre in Shah Alam, on September 3, 2024. — Picture by FIKRI YUSOF/MEDIA SELANGOR[/caption]
Kedah’s team included its Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor, state executive councillor for sports Muhammad Radhi Mat Din, and several former state players including Mohd Nidzam Adzha Yusoff, Mohd Farouk Ismail, and Mohd Feriza Ismail.
Sanusi commended the Selangor government for its effort to unite both parties through sports.
“This is how we should move forward, especially after 67 years of independence, by exchanging ideas to develop the nation.
“For inter-state relations, this is a positive step. I hope other states can also engage in casual football matches like this. I invite the Selangor team to visit Kedah next,” he said.
Separately, Amirudin urged the public for patience as the government needs time and space to implement their respective policies and agendas following the recent general election.
“For me, this is the best time to pause, reflect and continue forward. This serves as a clear signal that we should carry on with what we have.
“Differences are inevitable, but at the same time, we are all still Malaysians with shared responsibilities,” he said.
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Selangor FC star Mohamad Faisal Abdul Halim (left) in action during the friendly football match between the Selangor Menteri Besar and Kedah Menteri Besar select teams, at the Selangor FC Training Centre in Shah Alam, on September 3, 2024. — Picture by FIKRI YUSOF/MEDIA SELANGOR[/caption]
