Verify backgrounds, instill national identity in heritage players

Sinar Daily

27-05-2025

SHAH ALAM - The Harimau Malaya squad's growing enthusiasm for including heritage players in the national team is a trend seen in modern football worldwide.
However, sports analyst Datuk Dr Pekan Ramli said such efforts should extend beyond technical qualifications.
He stressed the importance of thoroughly verifying the players' backgrounds and their genuine connection to Malaysia.
According to him, this review should examine players' lineage, generational roots and whether they maintain family ties in the country.
'This is crucial to avoid negative public perceptions, especially on social media. Heritage connections should not be viewed as an easy shortcut to join the Harimau Malaya squad.
'If a player truly has legitimate blood ties to relatives in Malaysia, efforts should be made to reconnect them. This would give the player a chance to learn more about their origins and strengthen bonds with family members still living here,' he told Sinar.
The Harimau Malaya team is strengthened by heritage players such as Dion Cools as they compete in the Third Round of the 2027 Asian Cup Qualifiers.
Malaysia is in Group F alongside Vietnam, Nepal and Laos, with only the group winner securing a place in the tournament set to take place in Saudi Arabia.
Pekan, who is also a senior lecturer at the Faculty of Sports Science and Recreation in Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), explained that this approach is common practice among many countries, including Malaysia's neighbours like Indonesia and the Philippines.
'This practice is allowed under the rules of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) and is often seen in countries with colonial histories, where descendants abroad may have bloodline connections.
'Malaysia's colonial past under the Portuguese, Dutch, British, Japanese, and Siamese increases the likelihood of mixed heritage through intermarriage and migration.
'Indonesia was colonised by the Dutch for 350 years and the Philippines by Spain for over 330 years.
"Malaysia is no different. The Portuguese ruled Melaka for 130 years, and although other colonial powers stayed for shorter periods, their impact remains significant,' he said.
Pekan also pointed out that heritage players should be evaluated on more than just their skills.
'They must also understand and embrace the national identity and show genuine love for the country.
'I suggest holding interviews or official orientation sessions to assess their patriotism and knowledge of local culture, including the national anthem.
'Neighbouring countries use similar methods to instill national values among heritage players. This ensures that their connection to Malaysia is sincere, rather than just a way to gain international appearances,' he said.
He also reminded that local talent development must keep pace with Malaysia's football ambitions, citing South Korea and Japan as examples of countries that have built teams rooted in their own identity while benefiting from external knowledge.
'Sharing knowledge and technology is encouraged but should be balanced and controlled. We must not overlook our homegrown talents in the process.
'Malaysia has already shown the strength of its people on the international stage, from Mount Everest expeditions to swimming the English Channel and journeys to the North Pole.
"These accomplishments reflect the resilience of our national identity and the 'Malaysia Boleh' spirit.
"Strengthening national identity through sports is no longer optional—it is essential,' he said.