Just when we thought that the drama between Tunku Mahkota Johor, Tunku Ismail Idris, with Lim Teong Kim is over, a new episode unravels.
Recently, the former footballer came forward to defend Luqman Hakim Shamsudin after the Johor Prince questioned why fans didn’t criticise the 19-year-old player’s performance with the national team.
During a previous interview, the Johor Darul Ta’zim F.C owner appeared to question why netizens would always blame the Southern Tigers players if the national squad did not achieve a positive result. “Everyone is blaming (Guilherme) De Paula for not scoring a point for the team, and when was the last time Luqman scored for the national team?” TMJ said, as per Berita Harian.
He added, “When was the last time he played 90 minutes for the national team? No, no one blames him. No one blames Shahrel Fikri (Fauzi), but my players who are committed, who sacrificed, who performed well are being blamed.”
“This is all due to the fact that they are my players. So in my view, this opinion is biased, irrational and unprofessional, because you came up with an assessment based on emotions and not facts,” TMJ added. After the royal figure issued his statement, Lim was spotted leaving words of encouragement for the young player in the comments section.
“Luqman, you must train hard, play earnestly, and always believe in your abilities,” he commented. “I’m sure you will achieve your goals. I know your mental strength and I know you understand how you can use these criticisms to help you work harder to achieve excellence and not just be a ‘jaguh kampung’.”
Soon after the reports surrounding his statement (allegedly) about the young athlete made headlines, TMJ quickly took to his Instagram to shed some light on the matter. “What is this crazy story? It’s getting more cartoonish. I was talking about a different thing, and they twisted my words,” the 37-year-old wrote.
TMJ continued by writing, “For example, regarding the national squad’s failure during the AFF (Suzuki Cup), fans were blaming the players from JDT and myself. But the ones who scored the goals were all JDT players. Other strikers didn’t perform well, but nobody slammed them. That’s what I meant. Why is it so hard for you guys to understand?”
In a more recent update, the Johor Prince uploaded a screenshot of a WhatsApp conversation with Lim on his social media. “Good morning Tunku, hope you are well. I would like to inform you that whatever was written in the portals, I didn’t speak to them, they are doing something not good. Best regards,” he told TMJ.
From what we see in the post, it sure looks like the two are currently on good terms. At least for now. :’)
Source: Berita Harian.
