Perak government keen to help

2009/11/24

M. Husairy Othman

THE Perak state government will ensure the state team will play in next season's M-League. Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, in giving this assurance in Ipoh yesterday, said sports must transcend above all else and not be politicised.

"If the state government can help, we will help. Maybe, even Barisan Nasional can help but we will look into all aspects first. We will not allow the team (to be expelled) at any cost," said Zambry.

Perak are treading on thin ice as they have yet to fulfil a single of FAM's requirements and have until Monday to do so.

Two months ago, FAM had ordered teams with debts to settle their dues before submitting their paper work for next season. Super League teams must also have a minimum budget of RM2.5 million and a RM150,000 deposit with FAM.

The Perak FA, headed by former Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin, is currently facing problems paying salaries, income tax and Employees Provident Fund of its players.

Datuk Dr Ramlan Abd Aziz (second right), Malaysia’s Chef de Mission to the Laos Sea Games, chats with national football coach K. Rajagobal (right) and the players after a training session at the FAM ground in Kelana Jaya yesterday. Pic: MOHD YUSNI ARIFFIN

Zambry, however, declined to comment when asked to elaborate on the form of assistance that might be given to the association.

"I do not want to interfere as I do not want this to be turned into a political issue," he said.