KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 14 ­— Support for local football in this country is usually seen as a “Malay thing.” Yes, even this has been racially compartmentalised.

But a certain Kevin Tan, however, is bent on breaking that stereotype. In a sea of Malay youths clad in black tees and yellow and black scarves jumping up and down by the thousands in what the Ultras would call a poznan, Tan and two others stand out to give hardcore supporter group Ultras Malaya some diversity.

These are Malaysians who back the Harimau Malaya squad not as Chinese, Indians or Malays, but as Malaysians united as a single entity.

For Tan, a professional in his late 20s who is now based in Singapore, the racial politics that has marred race relations in our country is no excuse to abandon your sense of national pride as a Malaysian.

In his own words:

When you think of yourself as a Chinese, Malay or Indian, then football is not for you. You must think of Malaysia. This is my country, this is where your support lies when the national team is playing. Stand with pride. No one ever asks me why a Chinese guy is standing there chanting along with the rest of them. They don’t look at me differently, so why should you feel awkward standing right next to them. We are there for Malaysia, regardless of race, language or religion. We need to look past the colour of our skin.

I joined Ultras Panthers from Penang, this is where I was born and it will never disappear from my heart. We stood shoulder to shoulder with one aim and direction, to give our full support for our state and country.That’s where our rivalry ends after 90 minutes. No matter which state we come from, we unite under one flag, “Brotherhood of Malaysia”. The passion I have seen in members of Ultras makes me want to be one of them.

I’ve seen many supporters leave the stadium when their team is losing but the Ultras is always there standing, rain or shine, giving support to the players, not to give up until the final whistle. Our ambitions are the same, lift the players’ morale, so Ultras make the difference, we are always there for you. This makes me want to join the Ultras, we are the 12th man on the field.

Unfortunately we had a few controversy within the people of Malaysia in regards to politics and religion but that should not be the reason why we stop supporting our national team. Through thick and thin, we should put all these behind us because football is never political. You don’t see Barisan Nasional, PAS, DAP, PKR supporters sit separately in the stadium right? Bring back the glory days in Malaysian soccer so that all Malaysians can come out and support the team again.

Football has the unique power  to unite people of different cultures, race, religion or language. So let us hope one day, everyone can bring their children to the stadium to enjoy this beautiful game. Put aside any differences, ideology, and support our local football. It may not be easy, but it is possible if everyone thinks as a Malaysian, rather than Chinese, Malay or Indian. 

 I don’t think football should be discussed at the same table as politics. Politics should be kept away from the game. It should never be used as a political agenda. This game is too beautiful to be contaminated and I hope that we keep it this way. This is a very dangerous combination.

 If you talk about football, then I would say Malaysians (compared to Singaporeans) are more patriotic. Imagine 1,500 Ultras manage to drown the 48,000 Singapore supporters. We are more organised, and choreographed. But Ultras is not born overnight, we need passion, dedication and sacrifices to make it happen. But Singapore do love their football. I see that football matches are like a family outing for them, more of a mix between all races too.

When you put on the scarf and your national colours or Ultras tee, what do you feel? A sense of utmost pride. This is when love for your own people comes first. I believe that each of us no matter what our age, background or walk of life, we have something to contribute to the life of this nation. I want all Malaysians to feel this way. Love has no boundaries when loving your country.

The feeling you feel when you cheer for your national team. If you listen to the sound of your own voice, you can rise above doubt that the words you want to send across to the players. To fight till the end, “Darah & Maruah demi Malaysia”. The beat of the drums and the voices of the nation urging the players on. You can really feel the the aura of the stadium. Like the Ultras say, you will never know if you are not one of us.

More Chinese and Indians are joining the Ultras. Without any doubt, yes. Love to see that happening one day. Look past skin colour or language. We are all Malaysians. There is no restrictions on joining the Ultras, no membership, no monthly subscription. Just a pair of shoes, muffler and most importantly your voice and pride.