IMAGINE a footballer, once a blazing talent, reduced to a shadow of his former self. This is not a sad sports movie; it's the chilling reality for Faisal Halim, the Harimau Malaya winger who bravely faced the world after a horrific acid attack.
His pain goes beyond the agonising burns.
Months later, the attackers remain unidentified, leaving a cloud of suspicion and a justice system seemingly shrouded in silence.
Faisal's story isn't just about a crime, it's a gut punch to the soul of Malaysian sports.
Despite the gravity of the incident, Faisal has received no updates from the police. He confirmed that he only met with them once, while still in the intensive care unit (ICU) of a private hospital.
As a journalist, I've always been mentored by editors who praised the Malaysian police force as one of the best in the world. And yet, in Faisal's case, along with the assaults on Harimau Malaya's Akhiyar Rashid and JDT's Syafiq Rahim, the police force seems like a toothless tiger.
The attack sent shockwaves, even reaching the desk of former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad. Here's a 99-year-old statesman, a man who's seen it all, deeply disturbed by this act.
"We need to find out who initiated this and take action against those who commit such acts against sports," he said during Sinar Daily’s Sports Matters Podcast.
When Dr Mahathir speaks, he knows exactly what he's saying.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim also expressed his concern, questioning how this could happen.
He instructed the Home Ministry and the police to expedite the investigation. He also slammed netizens who claimed that someone was being protected in the probe. "What are we protecting?" he asked, stressing that he had called the Inspector-General of Police to speed up the investigation.
The lack of progress in the investigation is deafening. I have always respected our police force. But with Faisal's case, alongside other attacks on footballers, a sense of unease creeps in. Where's the swift action we're used to? Are they overwhelmed, or is there something more at play?
Local football observer and former Selangor FC manager Zakaria Rahim, better known as Zack Rahim, said that in this era, if one commits a crime at 2pm, by 3.30pm, the case should be closed. He has immense trust in the police force.
The voices of the people have been questioning the motives and perpetrators since May 5.
As a journalist attached to the crime desk for seven years, I know the police are more than capable of getting to the bottom of this case.
Despite the pain this player faces, some dispute and call this a normal incident in football.
If the police believe they deserve credit for doing a fine job, they should seriously and diligently investigate this case to bring justice to the victims.
Harming anyone is a crime, but attacking a footballer who brings joy to millions with his talent? It's a tragedy that leaves a bitter taste.
May the path to recovery, both physically and mentally, be easier for Faisal Halim. From a fellow Penangite, and a fan yearning to see him back on the pitch, all the best.