Malaysian Fans The Driving Force Behind National Athletes

By Muhammad Zulkarnain Mohd Azman

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 26 (Bernama) -- They may not don the national jersey to represent Malaysia, nor stand on the podium to sing the Negaraku (national anthem).  

However, Malaysian sports fans can be regarded as the heartbeat of national athletes’ struggle each time they compete on the championship stage.  

Rain or shine, the chants, the beat of the kompang, and the thunder of drums never fail to echo, igniting the fighting spirit of Malaysian athletes.  

For die-hard Malaysian sports supporter Mansor Khoni, better known as Tok Moh, his presence at stadiums always attracts attention with his Jalur Gemilang-themed outfit that has become his identity.  

Now nearing his seventh decade, Tok Moh, who began supporting national teams back in the 1980s, has never tired or grown weary of giving his unwavering support to the country’s heroes and heroines.  

Instead, he feels proud when giving his wholehearted support to the national teams, especially when Malaysia emerge as champions in the tournaments they compete in.  

“To be honest, I never feel tired of supporting the Malaysian team, and I am proud to back them. For me, when they win, we too feel happier because that victory also belongs to the supporters,” he told Bernama.  

At the same time, Tok Moh said the contribution of supporters is minimal compared to that of the athletes who strive to bring glory to the nation on the world stage.  

“In the past, soldiers fought with weapons for the country, singers contributed their voices to the nation, and athletes too can give their all for Malaysia.  

“But for ordinary citizens like me, my contribution to the country is by being a loyal supporter of our national athletes,” he said.  

Meanwhile, from a younger generation of supporters, Derrick Gan — whose image went viral last year showing him in tears while watching Malaysia play South Korea in the Asian Cup in Qatar — shared the same sentiments as Tok Moh.  

Having pawned his motorcycle to raise funds to attend the Asian Cup, Derrick said the small sacrifice was nothing compared to the pride and emotion of singing the Negaraku on foreign soil, while watching Malaysia hold their ground against a world football giant.  

“I never regretted spending money to support the national team. For me, it was worth it, especially when we support them and they win.  

“But we shouldn’t only support them when they win — we must continue to stand by the national team even when they lose,” he said.  

Derrick added that supporting the national team is not just about watching them play in the arena or on the pitch, but also a way to express his love for the country.  

He also said it fosters greater unity among Malaysians, as thousands of supporters from different races pack stadiums and venues, sitting together to cheer for one team — Malaysia.

-- BERNAMA