KUALA LUMPUR, May 26 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak is proud the national badminton squad succeeded in uniting Malaysians despite failing to end the country’s 22-year wait to lift the Thomas Cup.
“We are together in victory or defeat. I am proud of our Thomas Cup team. We will try again and congratulations to Japan,” he said in a Twitter message here today after the Thomas Cup final.
Malaysia lost 2-3 to Japan in the 2014 Thomas Cup final at Siri Fort Indoor Stadium in New Delhi, India tonight.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister’s wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor when contacted by TV1 sports compere, Jasni Shafie, said luck was not with the Malaysian badminton team despite playing hard to win the cup.
Rosmah, who is Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) patron, said she was proud that the Malaysian players went all out especially the last singles player, Liew Daren.
“Whatever it is we never gave up. I am sure Malaysians would agree with me. They played well and gave their best. We will wait for another four years and try to bring the Thomas Cup back to Malaysia,” she said.
Asked if the Prime Minister also watched the match live telecast with her, Rosmah said they watched the final as a family initially before the Prime Minister had to attend an event.
Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin in a statement also congratulated the Malaysian team for displaying such strong fighting spirit.
“I am proud and I am sure all Malaysians are also proud of the tenacious fighting spirit of the team tonight. They fought to the end despite not winning the Thomas Cup,” he said.
Muhyiddin also thanked all Malaysians for their encouragement and support to the national team.
“Hopefully, with continued effort and support, I believe success awaits us and Malaysians’ hopes of bringing the Thomas Cup home will be a reality soon,” said Muhyiddin. — Bernama
