Fifa Asean Cup 2026: Anwar calls for Harimau Malaya support

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called upon Malaysians to rally behind the Harimau Malaya team as they prepare to compete in the inaugural Fifa Asean Cup 2026. The announcement of the tournament was made during the 47th Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur last year, when Fifa and Asean collaborated. The national side will kick off their campaign against Bangladesh on Friday, followed by matches against Indonesia on September 28 and Singapore on October 1.

Anwar expressed hope that Malaysians would provide full support to the national team and bring success back to Malaysia. However, some football fans on social media have urged the government to intervene regarding live broadcast rights for the matches. Several supporters expressed their frustration, questioning how they are expected to support the team without access to live broadcasts on Malaysian television.

Facebook user Mohd Khai Rul Na im stated, "Anwar Ibrahim, how are we supposed to support them when there is no live broadcast on Malaysian television?" Another supporter, Mohd Ashrek Awan, even tagged Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil, requesting him to secure the broadcasting rights for local fans. Fahmi Fadzil responded, "Please get the matches broadcast live on television, as the national team represents the country."

Fans are hopeful that the government and local broadcasters, including RTM, will respond to their appeal and allow Malaysians to watch the Harimau Malaya's campaign. Harimau Malaya has been drawn into Division 1 of the Fifa Asean Cup 2026 and will play in Group A alongside hosts Indonesia, Singapore, and Bangladesh. The Malaysian team, currently ranked 136th in the world, begins their journey against 181st-ranked Bangladesh at Gelora Bung Karno in Jakarta on Friday.