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Debate dare turns into cordial discussion between prince and minister
Published:  Apr 28, 2016 11:55 AM
Updated: 8:38 AM

Johor Crown Prince Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim held a meeting today with Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin, whom he had earlier challenged to a debate on the state of the national football team.

During their meeting in Johor, the pair had discussed issues pertaining to local football.

The minister was also given a tour of the facilities belonging to the Johor Southern Tigers football team, which is also known as JDT, such as their training centre and gymnasium.

In a Facebook posting, Tunku Ismail commended Khairy for his hard work and efforts with regard to sports and youths in the nation.

"The meeting enabled Khairy to get a clearer picture regarding football in Johor, especially JDT's project and youth development programmes in the state.

"The meeting was very positive where we were able to sit down and discussed the direction, exchanged opinions and also finding solutions to improve local football as well as programmes involving the youth," Tunku Ismail said.

The prince had earlier challenged the minister to a debate after Khairy had blamed the players for the national team's lacklustre performance and declining international ranking.

Khairy said that he was not surprised the national football team slid to the 174th place, its worst ever.

The minister said the national team players have reached their limit and were no longer capable of improving, stating that attention should be focused on moulding younger players.

His remarks courted flak from striker Safee Sali, who also plays for JDT.

"It's disappointing that when the national team's ranking tumbled, only the players are blamed.

"But when RM100 million goes missing, things remain as it is. Imagine the needs that can be met and facilities provided with that amount of money alone," Safee had said on Facebook.

This was an obvious reference to the high-profile scandal involving a senior officer from the Youth and Sports Ministry and his accomplices.

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