'Public wants to know the motives behind attacks on Faisal Halim and Akhyar Rashid' - Zack Rahim

SHAH ALAM - Recent attacks on national footballers Faisal Halim and Akhyar Rashid have shaken the country.

Public focus has shifted from arresting the perpetrators to understanding the motives behind these assaults.

Former Selangor manager Zakaria Rahim stressed the urgency of getting answers.

Zakaria, also known as Zack Rahim also noted that the incidents involving Faisal and Akhyar Rashid mark a dark chapter in Malaysian football history.

“In all my years involved with Malaysian football, I have never witnessed anything like this happening to any sportsman in the country.

“Such incidents are more common in other parts of the world, like South America, but for it to occur in Malaysia is shocking.

"Everyone in Malaysia is at a loss for words. The confusion and shock must now be addressed through police action,” he said during Sinar Daily's Sports Matters podcast recently.

Zack stressed the importance of uncovering the motives behind these attacks.

“People are more interested in understanding why these actions occurred rather than just identifying the culprits.

"For Akhyar, the police have indicated it was a robbery, but Faisal's case remains a mystery.

"Even the authorities and the Football Association of Selangor have no answers.

"Recent reports have highlighted ongoing threats, including acid threats, against Selangor FC officials, adding to the uncertainty and fear,” he added.

Zack also highlighted the efficiency of the Malaysian police, noting their extensive training and expertise.

“In today's world, if one were to commit a crime at 2pm, they could be arrested by 4pm.

"Malaysian police are highly trained and adept at monitoring and identifying individuals, including foreigners.

However, suddenly with Faisal’s case, the situation is like this,” he said.

In a related matter, Zack believes these attacks on Faisal and Akhyar are isolated incidents.

“Given the level of fanaticism in Malaysian football, national footballers only need to worry about common concerns like pickpockets and jealousy, just like everyone else.

"Attacks simply because you are a footballer who beat another team are unlikely.

"The suggestion of hiring a bodyguard for football players is not necessary, especially for those with lower earnings.

"However, for high-earning footballers, I would encourage them to do so.

"They do not need a highly trained bodyguard, just someone physically intimidating who can accompany them everywhere,” he said.

On the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM)'s role, Rahim argued against policy changes.

He stressed player well-being and professional management, suggesting players focus on training while managers handle personal matters.

The attacks come amidst a series of unsettling events.

On May 2, Akhyar was targeted in Terengganu. Faisal suffered an acid attack on May 5th.

Two days later, former Harimau Malaya captain Safiq Rahim's car was vandalised. Most recently, on May 22, another footballer reported a burglary.