KUALA LUMPUR: Football legend Datuk Jamal Nasir said the public should rally behind Harimau Malaya CEO Rob Friend's ambitious goal of leading Malaysia to the World Cup.
Despite scepticism from fans and netizens labelling the vision as unrealistic, Jamal insists that negativity should not overshadow the national team's progress.
He said Malaysians should support the management's efforts to elevate Harimau Malaya to greater heights.
"Why should we scoff at his ambition? In the past, no one imagined Malaysia qualifying for the 1972 and 1980 Olympics, yet we did," said the former Pahang coach.
Jamal, 71, was a key figure in Malaysia's qualification for the 1980 Moscow Olympics, with his contributions playing a vital role in securing Malaysia's place on the world stage.
"Let's rid ourselves of negative thoughts. Right now, let's focus on something positive, like seeing Harimau Malaya qualify for the Asian Cup on merit again and, eventually, reach the World Cup."
"Enough with the criticism. That is not part of our culture and should be banished. We want to see Harimau Malaya rise with our full support, not through condemnation," he added.
The national team is set for a fresh transformation this year, with reinforcements from heritage players.
On Wednesday, Friend revealed that the process of obtaining a Malaysian passport for a mixed-heritage player from the Netherlands is in its final stages, while three more players are in the process of securing their citizenships.
Additionally, Harimau Malaya could soon benefit from the inclusion of several naturalised players.
Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) goal machine Bergson da Silva and Sri Pahang's Manuel Hidalgo are on track to receive their naturalised status.
Although both players still have a year to complete FIFA's five-year residency rule, a potential revision to four years could see them don national colours sooner.
KL City's Giancarlo Gallifuoco is also in the same boat, having joined the City Boys on February 16, 2021.
Meanwhile, a check revealed that Penang's Rafael Vitor is already eligible for naturalisation, having joined the Panthers on January 11, 2020.