Pakatan Rakyat intends to adopt the once-famous Sarawak football battle cry, 'Ngap Sayot' (easy to beat) in the state election due anytime now.

NONE However, it has not gone down well with Sarawak's legendary former football coach Awang Mahyan Awang Mohamad.

He has flashed the proverbial red card, deeming the opposition coalition's intended action as most foul.

Awang Mahyan's reaction is understandable.

He is the man who first coined the famous phrase in the late 1980s, to drum up support from fans and motivate the state's football players ( above ).

"The term, 'Ngap Sayot', should never be used as a political slogan. I was shocked (over Pakatan's intention to use 'Ngap Sayot' as political slogan).

"To be honest, I don't like it because it was meant for sport," he said.

The 60-year-old once-flamboyant soccer coach - currently active in the lawn bowling arena - said it was better for the phrase to be used in a positive manner.

"Use the phrase to motivate students to excel in sports, instead of misusing it to serve the political interests of others.

"The 'Ngap Sayot' phrase was even used in certain secondary schools back then, to motivate students to excel in their studies or co-curricular  activities," he added.

Sacred battle cry

Awang Mahyan said politicial parties intending to use the phrase should simply forget about it, as it would be an insult to use the sacred battle cry which had long been used by Sarawakians, regardless of their age, religion and race.

NONE On Tuesday, DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng ( right ) was quoted as saying in Sibu that Pakatan would use the 'Ngap Sayot' battle cry for the coming state election.

Lim said the phrase was appropriate for the opposition coalition because of its meaning and how Sarawakians associated the phrase with going forward and on the offensive.

The 'Ngap Sayot' era was famous from 1988 to 1990, and regarded as the best ever era in Sarawak football history when the state team was noted for its tackling prowess and 'never-say-die' attitude, resulting in their impressive perfomance in the league and Malaysia Cup competition.

Awang Mahyan came up with the 'Ngap Sayot' battle cry when he was playing snooker with Sarawak players.

- Bernama