PUTRAJAYA: The national football team is set to receive a RM15 million shot in the arm.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim who announced the allocation this morning, said the government was giving Harimau Malaya RM10 million while the private sector was contributing RM5 million.
"I have decided to personally oversee and assist in strengthening Harimau Malaya," said Anwar, who is also Finance Minister.
Anwar said the allocation would go towards ensuring the team had the best managers and coaches.
"(This is) so that in a few years, we can elevate Harimau Malaya to be among the giants in Asia," he said at the Finance Ministry's monthly assembly.
"We need to focus on the facilities and welfare of the football players, our young people, which I consider a priority," he said.
Anwar said he will meet with Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh and the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) on the matter after returning from an official visit to Russia.
"I may later request the help of a senior Finance Ministry official to oversee the management of the finances and ensure it is well-organised," he said adding that alongside economic growth the country can also achieve excellence in football.