KUALA LUMPUR – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has issued a firm warning against the rise of gangsterism and hooliganism in Malaysian sports, particularly football, stating that such behaviour has no place in the nation’s sporting arena.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony of the Olympic House — the upcoming headquarters for the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) — in Bukit Jalil today, Anwar said Malaysia must reject the violent and aggressive fan culture often seen abroad.
“Gangster culture and hooliganism should not be allowed to take root in sports,” he said.
“We take very seriously any instance of violence in sports, especially football. There is zero tolerance because it goes against the very spirit of sportsmanship.”
Anwar said such behaviour not only undermines the values of sport but also contradicts Malaysian principles of tolerance, decency, and mutual respect.
“This kind of violence runs contrary to the spirit of sports — which is about bringing people together, understanding our differences, and celebrating shared passion,” he said.
“People cry when they win and cry when they lose. You can’t deny the emotion. But it should never justify behaviour that violates the values of sportsmanship.”
He urged Malaysians to reject foreign influences that normalise toxic behaviour, and instead uphold values that promote unity through sports.
“We must not import hooliganism just because we see it on television. Sports should be a unifying force — not a divisive one,” he added.
Anwar also reminded the public that Malaysian culture values good conduct and tolerance — qualities that should be reflected in stadiums and sporting events.
Meanwhile, the Olympic House, to be built in the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s sports ecosystem, aims to centralise and elevate the governance of national sports.
Once completed, it will house 58 national sports associations and feature state-of-the-art facilities including an auditorium, resource centre, gymnasium, museum, gallery, café, prayer room and more. — August 7, 2025