Ex-Malaysian footballer, coach K. Rajagobal's ‘Inilah Saya' book a nine-year project in the making
That is the power of 'King Raja'. Despite having played for Selangor and Malaysia some four decades ago, and later gaining national fame as coach from 2009 to 2013, Rajagobal continues to attract attention wherever he goes.
Much has been written and said about Rajagobal, but he is best remembered as the man behind the euphoria that swept the nation when his squad won the 2009 SEA Games gold medal and the Asean Football Federation (AFF) Cup in 2010. Malaysians proudly wore the national jersey again, and many believed that more glory was on the horizon. Unfortunately, Malaysia has not won either tournament since.
Fresh from recording a Julang podcast episode with seasoned journalist Rizal Hashim and Twentytwo13 editor Haresh Deol on May 29, Rajagobal sat down with the duo to talk about his book Inilah Saya (This is Me), which will be showcased at the Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair at the World Trade Centre tomorrow.
In his trademark white shirt, adorned with a sewn-on Jalur Gemilang on the left, Rajagobal spoke over teh tarik (tea) and roti bakar (toast).
'After winning the AFF Cup in 2010, many told me to write a book about my journey and success. But it wasn't the right time,' he said.
'When I left the FA of Malaysia (FAM) in 2013, I thought it might finally be the right time. My eldest son, Kanason, told me, 'Appa, why don't you write a book?' I was still busy coaching, but when I returned from Sarawak in 2016, that's when I decided to start working on it.'
'It's been a nine-year project because of several delays. I was coaching PKNS FC between 2018 and 2019, so things stalled then. But once that ended, I got back to working on the book.'
Asked why he decided to write it, Rajagobal said: 'I want to share my journey – the challenges I faced, my struggles, my hardships. I also want the younger generation to realise that anything can be achieved if we are mentally strong. Just focus on hard work, and you won't be easily defeated. You'll fall many times, but you'll get up.'
'I also hope this book inspires, motivates, and encourages Malaysians to be patriotic. The younger generation is our future.'
'I would love to see other legends and future players from various sports document their journeys and achievements. It allows others to learn from different experiences and become better individuals.'
Priced at RM49, Inilah Saya is available at the Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair. Rajagobal will hold a meet-and-greet session at the fair tomorrow (May 29) from 11am to 1.30pm. The book is also available online at Karangkraf Mall.
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Amir Muhammad and Kuman Pictures After making his directorial debut with Lips to Lips in 2000 which is also the first independent digital film produced in Malaysia, Amir Muhammad then formed Kuman Pictures which went on to produce the acclaimed 2023 Pendatang film. Pendatang made history as not only the first fully crowd-funded Malaysian film but it was also released on YouTube for free. The Malaysian dystopian drama thriller has raked over 4.5 million views since its release. The late Mamat Khalid Although he is no longer with us, films by the late great Mamat Khalid which have spawned franchises, continue to be among the most beloved by Malaysians. Mamat who is known for his subtle social commentary jabs through his many films is exactly why many adored him and some of his filmography includes titles such as Rock, Zombi Kampung Pisang, Hantu Kak Limah and Man Laksa. Mamat died in October 2021, however his legacy is continued by his son and aspiring director Amen Khalid.
