Brunei could be back in M-League

KUALA LUMPUR

Friday, January 27, 2012

MALAYSIA'S Ministry of Youth and Sports has not rule out the possibility of inviting Brunei to participate in the Malaysia League again in an effort to strengthen ties between the two countries through sports.

The country's minister, Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek, said the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) and the National Football Association of Brunei Darussalam (NFABD) could create a mechanism towards Brunei's participation.

"Cooperation in sports not only involves government to government but also between sports associations of both countries," he told reporters after taking part in a golf friendly with Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato Seri Setia Hj Hazair Hj Abdullah at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club here.

Brunei played in the Malaysian League (then known as Semi-Pro League) from 1989-1993 before joining the Singapore League in 2009.

Brunei last won the Malaysia Cup in 1999 after beating Sarawak 2-1 at the Merdeka Stadium.

Ahmad Shabery said the ministry would also invite Brunei to take in the Malaysia Games (SUKMA) and the National Youth Day celebration.

Meanwhile, Pehin Dato Hj Hazair said his visit would help strengthen ties between the two ministries after signing a memorandum of understanding in Brunei last year.

"We have identified several areas in youth and sports that could be developed and expanded to strengthen our ties," said Pehin Dato Hj Hazair, who is heading a 15-member delegation to Kuala Lumpur, reciprocating a visit by Ahmad Shabery to Brunei last year.Bernama