Kuala lumpur: The Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS) does not oppose the inclusion of naturalised or heritage players to bolster the national team but emphasizes the importance of nurturing local talent, Deputy Minister Adam Adli Abd Halim stated. He highlighted that while these athletes can enhance team performance, their recruitment is governed by strict conditions, including citizenship approval from the Home Ministry (KDN) and adherence to international sports bodies' criteria.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the approach of incorporating naturalised or heritage athletes has positively impacted national sports achievements. Adam Adli cited a notable example from June 10, when the national football team achieved a 4-0 victory over Vietnam, ranked 109th globally at the time, during the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers. Three naturalised players were part of the squad, marking the first victory over Vietnam since 2014 and demonstrating the beneficial role these players play in improving local football quality and team performance.

Adam Adli addressed questions in the Dewan Rakyat, responding to Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah (PN-Indera Mahkota) regarding the ministry's stance on naturalised players in the national team. He reiterated that while KBS supports the recruitment of naturalised players, it must not compromise the focus on developing local talent. He stressed that each National Sports Association (NSA) must consider the stipulated conditions to balance local talent development with the enhancement of national sports performance through naturalised players.

In response to Saifuddin's supplementary inquiry about the Malaysian Basketball Association's application to recruit naturalised players for the upcoming SEA Games in Thailand, Adam Adli noted that while KBS has no objection, the final decision is contingent on the Home Ministry's approval.