KUALA LUMPUR: In an unprecedented move, youth wings from both sides of the political divide have united to jointly call for an end to violence against athletes in the country.
In a joint statement today, they urged the authorities to spare no effort in enforcing strict laws to prevent the recurrence of incidents involving sportsmen, including the horrific acid attack on Selangor FC key player Faisal Halim.
They also called for proactive steps to be taken by all parties, especially the Football Association of Malaysia, to address the culture of hooliganism and prevent its spread, which is damaging the national football industry.
The recent incidents of violence against athletes, they said, have cast a dark shadow over the country's sports, particularly its football industry.
"We were deeply moved by the recent media briefing by Faisal Halim on the latest developments of his situation, which truly touched the hearts of the people.
"Football, which has been celebrated as a sport that unites the people, is now marred by violence and extreme fanaticism to the extent that it has created division among the community."
The statement was jointly issued by Umno Youth chief Dr. Muhammad Akmal Saleh, Najwan Halimi of PKR, Daniel Gooi Zi Sen of DAP, Parti Amanah Negara Youth chief Mohd Hasbie Muda, Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) Youth chief Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal, and his counterpart from Pas, Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden.
"We hope that the authorities will take firm action as well as ensure thorough and transparent investigations into incidents of violence involving national athletes.
"Such incidents should not be taken lightly and must be handled through strict enforcement of the law since they have the potential to recur in the future."
Meanwhile, in a separate social media posting, Najwan said Faisal, who is recovering from the attack, continues to lend his support to his 'family' in Selangor FC.
The posting was accompanied by a picture of Faisal watching a football match between Selangor FC and Negri Sembilan FC at MBPJ Stadium recently.