Baju Melayu and songket to be worn by Mohd Faiz in Zurich befit his character
KUALA LUMPUR: The baju Melayu and songket which will be worn by Mohd Faiz Subri at the 2016 Puskas Award presentation, is synonymous with the identity showcased by the diminutive midfielder who plays for Penang.
The black Baju Melayu paired with a songket woven with gold thread depicting five petals of the kesidang flower (bread flower) worth RM3,000 was presented by the Art Institue of Malaysia Melaka (Ismma) to Mohd Faiz as a special gift.
Ismma chairman, Tan Sri Dr Abdul Latiff Abu Bakar said the institute felt compelled to realise Mohd Faiz's wish, after learning of a statement made by the 30-year-old that he wanted to wear the traditional at the prestigious award in Zurich.
"What's moving is, young people like Mohd Faiz are not afraid to express their desire to wear the baju Melayu there or if he has the opportunity, to deliver a speech on stage in the Malay language. We wish him every success there," he told Bernama.
Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) secretary-general Datuk Hamidin Mohd Amin confirmed that the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has allowed Mohd Faiz to the adorn the baju Melayu at the prestigious award ceremony which will take place in Zurich on Monday (Jan 9).
Abdul Latiff said the baju Melayu with songket embroidered with design of the kesidang flower was usually worn by dignitaries when attending investiture ceremonies.
"Mohd Faiz is an example of a hero among the younger generation who is proud to promote the baju Melayu in front of the world's leading players. I hope such spirit can become the best example for youths and the country's leaders.
"If we look at it, the Arabs are proud to wear the 'jubah' (robes) when attending events at the international level, similarly, the Japanese use their native language when speaking, and why not we do the same," he said.
Mohd Faiz is one of three final nominees in the category of 'most beautiful' goal, along with two other players, namely Jonath Marlone Azevedo da Silva of Brazil and female footballer, Danisuka Rodriguez from Venezuela.
The goal was scored by Mohd Faiz with a 'knuckleball' technique from a free kick during a match against Pahang in the Super League, in February last year.
The goal that "defied the laws of physics" had pitted him against nine other contestants in the early stages, including Lionel Messi of Argentina and Neymar of Brazil for the award.
The Puskas Award is named after the legendary Hungarian striker Ferenc Puskas, who won three European titles with Spanish giants Real Madrid from 1959 to 1966.
Since its introduction in 2009, the award aims to recognise the world's most aesthetically significant goal of the year, which has been won by world famous footballers including Cristiano Ronaldo, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Neymar and James Rodriguez. — Bernama
Vote for Faiz here :
http://www.fifa.com/the-best-fifa-football-awards/puskas-award/