KUALA LUMPUR – Federal Territories minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa has clarified that Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) has no obligation to channel any form of allocation to the Kuala Lumpur Football Association and Kuala Lumpur City FC.
This statement comes in response to former KLFA president Khalid Samad’s recent request for 0.5% of DBKL’s total income to be allocated to these football entities.
In her official statement, Zaliha emphasised that although it was a common practice in the past, DBKL was not mandated to provide financial support to the KLFA and KL City FC.
“KLFA and KL City FC are independent bodies and have no formal ties with DBKL and operate independently,” she stated.
Khalid, who is also a former Federal Territories minister and current Amanah communications director, had urged DBKL to allocate 0.5% of its RM2.38 billion income for 2023, equivalent to RM11.9 million, to support KL City FC.
He argued that this would help resolve the club’s ongoing financial issues and ensure its sustainability, estimating that the club needed RM14.35 million to operate effectively.
However, Zaliha pointed out that DBKL’s income largely came from taxes paid by the people of Kuala Lumpur.
“It is DBKL’s responsibility to ensure that the people’s tax money is used in the best possible way for the wellbeing and prosperity of all the city’s citizens,” she said, highlighting the importance of prioritising public funds for broader civic needs.
Despite the absence of an obligation, Zaliha expressed her appreciation for the efforts of KLFA and KL City FC in promoting football in the capital.
“DBKL is always ready to help, and I really appreciate the efforts of KLFA and KL City FC in promoting football in Kuala Lumpur.
“I am also proud of the achievements that have been highlighted so far and see great potential and a brilliant future for the KL City FC team,” she added. – July 18, 2024