KUALA LUMPUR, July 25 (Bernama) -- The passing of the renowned corporate figure Tan Sri Mustapha Kamal Abu Bakar today is also being mourned by the local football fraternity.
The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) in a Facebook message expressed its appreciation to his contributions the football industry through the appearance of MK Land FC in the FAM League before successfully breaking into the Premier League scene in the 2004 to 2005 seasons.
The emergence of the club indirectly introduced former Malaysian League sensational import striker Marlon Alex James as well as several local players including Mohd Noor Derus, Abdul Ghani Abdul Rahman, Ooi Hoe Guan and Leong Hong Sen.
"HIs legacy is the NPNG-Emkay Academy which continues to give space to youth at the grassroots level to be active in football," said FAM.
In the meantime, Bernama's checks on social media platforms found many local football fans also expressing sadness over his passing and gratitude for the services he rendered.
Mustapha Kamal died of old age at 7.45 am at the National Heart Institute here. He was 73.
He was laid to rest at the Bukit Kiara Muslim cemetery here after the zohor (midday) prayers
The property tycoon was the founder of the Emkay Group that offers affordable housing. The company changed its name to MK Land Holdings Bhd after being listed on Bursa Malaysia (then known as Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange) in August 1999.
Meanwhile, former MK Land coach, Khan Hung Meng, who led the team to become the runners-up in the FAM League in 2003 and ranked third in the Premier League, described the late Mustapha Kamal as a true football fan.
Hung Meng, who is also a former Selangor player in the 80s-90s and the national squad, said the role and wisdom of Mustapha Kamal saw the team managed well and free from issues involving salary payments (of the team's players and officials).
"He was very fond of football, always providing the support the team needed. When I was with the team, we did not face any salary problems and everything went smoothly," he said when contacted by Bernama.
-- BERNAMA
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