KUALA LUMPUR, 14 September 2026 (The Capital Post) – Malaysia’s football heritage and its role in fostering national unity are being showcased through the “Bola Sepak Merdeka: Satu Inspirasi” exhibition, which traces the sport’s development from the colonial era to modern times.
The exhibition, a collaboration between the Department of Museums Malaysia and the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM), was officially launched on Monday by Ministry of National Unity Secretary-General YBhg. Dato’ Haslina binti Abdul Hamid.
A key focus is the history of the Merdeka Tournament, one of the region’s prestigious football competitions, and its connection with Malaysia’s independence, national identity and sovereignty.
Among the historic items on display are the second edition of the Malaysia FA Cup trophy, a 2015 Malaysia Cup champions medal and an official FAM blazer belonging to Zulkifli Norbit.
The exhibition also features a Malaysian team jacket worn by the late Dato’ Mohd Mokhtar bin Dahari in 1974, a vintage leather football signed by the late Robert Choe and vintage football boots from the 1960s bearing Choe’s signature.
The ministry said the exhibition provides an opportunity for Malaysians to appreciate the country’s football journey and how the sport reflects social and cultural development as well as a shared sense of national identity.
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Football, which cuts across racial, religious and social backgrounds, can also serve as a platform for strengthening patriotism and unity among Malaysians.
“Football history is not merely about recalling achievements on the field, but also about tracing how sport creates spaces for interaction and shared experiences among the people,” Haslina said.
She added that such shared experiences help build a sense of togetherness, nurture patriotism and strengthen the belief that unity is Malaysia’s strength.
According to a post on the official Facebook page of the Ministry of National Unity, the exhibition highlights how football has contributed to shared experiences, patriotism and unity throughout Malaysia’s history. – The Capital Post
