KUALA LUMPUR: A Malaysian footballer, who was seriously injured by an acid attack last month, has made his first public appearance since the May 5 incident. He said on Thursday that he hoped his attackers would be brought to justice quickly.
A visibly emotional and scarred Faisal Halim told reporters during a press conference that he would focus on his recovery before attempting to make his return to football.
Faisal Halim On Return to Football
“I don’t know if I can return to football or not, I just hope people can pray for my return to the soccer arena,” he said. “I want to continue living my life normally like other people, like other players.”
“I hope the perpetrators can be caught as soon as possible and charged in court,” he added.
Faisal, the 26-year-old winger on the Malaysian national team and national club Selangor FC, was attacked with acid at a shopping centre, causing fourth-degree burns to his face, arms and torso and affecting his speech and movement.
The footballer spent three weeks in hospital and had to undergo several surgeries due to skin burns.
“My hope is to return to the pitch in the next one to two months, even though the doctor says it could take up to six months,” said a teary-eyed Faisal.
“I am willing to return to training when doctors give me the green light,” he added.
Series of Attacks on Footballers
The incident was one of a series of attacks on Malaysian footballers in May, although police have denied the two cases were linked.
The attacks on Faisal and other footballers have led some clubs to reinforce security measures.
Faisal’s case is the most serious and high-profile of a series of crimes committed in May against four top Malaysian footballers.
Family Traumatised
Faisal, nicknamed Mickey, declined to speculate on the motives for the attack but acknowledged that he and his family were traumatised.
“I would rather lose thousands of dollars and stop playing football if I can be safe, if my family can be safe … but the support and prayers from the public have given me the strength to continue,” he said.
Faisal did not explain why, but said he is now kept in a secret hideout with his family and expressed hope that he can soon be free and no need to hide.
Motive Behind The Attack Unclear
Two people were arrested in connection with the attack but were released without charge. It is unclear what exactly was the motive behind the attack.
Johor’s regent, Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim – also known as Tunku Mahkota Johor (TMJ), denied allegations that he was behind the recent acid attack on Faisal Halim.
“What happened (to Faisal) we must condemn. Some people alleged that TMJ is the mastermind (behind these attacks),” said Tunku Ismail.
“If I want to finish off people, I have targets that are much bigger in this country, who steal the people’s money and make lives more difficult for the people, those who are responsible for the constitutional crisis – these are the people who must be destroyed. Not footballers.”
He added that some parties were unhappy with his outspokenness on certain issues and said there was a movement in Malaysia to destroy his reputation.
