Selangor Sultan’s fury over football team’s punishment reflects rise of state nationalism

Malaysian national team and Selangor FC footballer Faisal Halim, who was severely injured in an acid attack, reacts during a press conference in Shah Alam in Selangor state on June 13, 2024. Halim, who suffered fourth-degree burns in an acid attack at a shopping mall outside Kuala Lumpur in May, said on June 13 he hopes to return to football in one or two months. (Photo by Arif Kartono / AFP)

Malaysian national team and Selangor FC footballer Faisal Halim was severely injured in an acid attack on May 5.

PHOTO: AFP

Shannon Teoh

KUALA LUMPUR – The Sultan of Selangor’s rare expression of wrath at punishment dished out against the state’s football team for withdrawing from the season-opening Charity Shield match, following a shocking acid attack on Selangor FC player Faisal Halim in May, reflects the rise of state nationalism in Malaysia for which football has become a natural playing field.

Sultan Sharafuddin Salahuddin has been involved in the country’s most popular sport for nearly six decades, but as an understated figure who has not made such a harsh rebuke of the authorities in recent memory.

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