National road cycling team head coach Datuk Ng Joo Ngan disclosed that the strong bond among the riders and officials enabled them to succeed at the recent Hanoi Sea Games.
In contrast, the cycling great pointed out that differing views had led to the team struggling at the 2019 Manila Sea Games.
Joo Ngan said he was pleased to be able to help everyone get on the same page in Hanoi.
At the just concluded Sea Games, Malaysia won the coveted men's individual road race through Nur Aiman Zariff and bronze in the men's individual time trial via Nur Aiman Rosli.
The women did well to bag two silver in the road race individual (Nur Aisyah Mohamad Zubir) and team (Aisyah Zubir, Siti Nur Adibah Akma, Nur Aisyah Munirah Chek Ramli and Ju Pha Som Net). Aisyah Zubir had also claimed bronze in the women's criterium.
"As you are probably aware, the team were unable to win any medals (from road) at the last Sea Games (2019)," said Joo Ngan recently.
"The national cycling federation asked me to help coach the team this time but at first I was not really keen to take up the role.
"But then the president called and asked me if I could help guide the team and bring back the gold medal from Vietnam.
"I then spoke to the (2019) national team manager and also the people from the Terengganu Cycling Team (TSG) and Team Sapura Cycling. I asked them what had happened during Manila 2019.
"Everyone told me the same story (about the issues they faced in Manila) and after discussing with them (TSG and Sapura), they all said they would love me to help, so I accepted the job.
"I am very happy that this time the whole team are united and everyone from officials to riders were really a close-knit side this time.
"Everyone was like brothers and sisters and because of this, we were able to secure a good result at the Hanoi Sea Games.
"I am really happy that we were able to bring back one gold, two silver and two bronze from the road events."
As for next year's Phnom Penh Sea Games, Joo Ngan said that it was still too early to say whether he would stay on to coach the team.
Malaysian riders had also done well in mountain biking events at the Hanoi Sea Games.
The quartet of Ahmad Syazrin Awang Ilah, Zulfikri Zulkifli, Nur Assyira Zainal Abidin and Natahsya Soon created history by winning the cross country relay mixed team event for the first time.
Malaysia also won silver and bronze in the women's cross country through Nur Assyira and Natahsya.