Foul!

As published in Malay Mail today Being Frank  By Frankie D'Cruz MERDEKA Stadium looks about 80. But she is not, she is 58. That is not old age, but it is not young either. She deserves to have pride of place in the altar of celebrations as the nation revels in 58 years of independence. But she is all alone, almost in embarrassing anonymity. She looks aged and forgotten while Malaysia, her same age, looks the opposite — riveting. My point? The very spot where Tunku Abdul Rahman stood on the morning of Aug 31, 1957 to declare Malaya’s independence from the British is missing in the towering significance of Merdeka Day cheeriness. The joy is further dampened by the stadium being a victim of historical amnesia. You must agree with me that in the current struggle for national recovery, the stadium which in recent decades fell into disuse, would have been a beneficial venue for inspiration. Turns out it is historical disrespect. Consider: Eight years...

As published in Malay Mail on Saturday. Article is by Frankie D' Cruz. Merdeka Stadium looks about 80. But she is not, she is 57. That is not old age, but it is not young either. She deserves to have pride of place in the altar of celebrations as the nation revels in 57 years of independence. But she is all alone, almost in embarrassing anonymity. That would explain why she looks aged and forgotten while Malaysia, her same age, looks the very opposite — riveting. My point? The absence of the very spot  — where Tunku Abdul Rahman stood on the morning Aug 31, 1957 to declare Malaya’s independence from the British — in the towering significance of Merdeka Day cheeriness. The joy, while muted by the twin airline disasters of MH370 and MH17, is further dampened by the stadium being a victim of historical amnesia. You must agree with me that in the current struggle for national recovery, the stadium which in recent decades fell into disuse, would have been a beneficial venue for inspi...

I remember writing an extensive article on PNB developing Stadium Merdeka and the area surrounding it in 2009 . This idea then was to stage football matches including Merdeka Tournament there. It's been three years and all we see now are just concerts hosted by the stadium. I must say the restoration work done on the stadium was excellent. From the huge historical pictures ( left ) and write ups about the stadium at the entrance to the mosaic floors which reminds one of the 60s, the stadium was certainly warm and managed to give one the nostalgic feeling. Now it is hoped the stadium authorities would actually allow football matches to be played at the stadium - playing at 4.15pm on a Saturday would be perfect as it is easily accessible for the fans - young and old. It is not easy finding a football field in the heart of KL. I'm sure many of you wouldn't mind sitting on the concrete slabs watching a good match. I know I wouldn't. Perhaps the state FAs or FA of Malaysia ...