KUALA LUMPUR: The FA of Malaysia (FAM) will present its organisational structure for the management of the national team to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim soon.
The government yesterday announced an RM15 million allocation for the development of the national team. Anwar disclosed that RM10 million will come directly from the government while RM5 million will be from private entities.
FAM president Datuk Hamidin Amin expressed his appreciation to the government for their support.
"FAM is certainly very appreciative of Datuk Seri Anwar's dedication and commitment in providing this allocation as well as his personal intent to monitor and assist in efforts to develop the Harimau Malaya team," said FAM in a statement today.
"FAM will soon meet with Datuk Seri Anwar to present the organisational structure of the national team's management.
"The objective is to elevate Harimau Malaya and become a powerhouse in the Asian region."
Meanwhile, national team coach Pau Marti Vicente said the allocation is a good boost for the national team ahead of the Merdeka Tournament, which starts tomorrow, and their other upcoming international tournaments.
"We appreciate the support from the Prime Minister. Personally, I believe Harimau Malaya has not yet reached its full potential and can still continue to grow in the future," he said.
Anwar said he will meet with the FAM after returning from an official visit to Russia.
He added that he would ask Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh to expedite the disbursement of the allocation and assign a senior official from the Finance Ministry to ensure the funds are managed well.