KUALA LUMPUR – The life and career of former Malaysian football legend Datuk Shukor Salleh has been immortalised in a new book, Datuk Shukor Salleh – Jeneral Padang.
The biography of the legend who devoted over two decades of his life for the country’s football was launched today by Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu and Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) deputy president Datuk Wira Mohd Yusoff Mahadi.
Speaking during the book launch at Wisma FAM, Faizal says the book’s publication serves as an important reminder to current players of the challenges and struggles their predecessors endured.
“Even though the challenges current youngsters go through are completely different compared to what Datuk Shukor and his teammates faced over three or four decades ago, surely there is a core element that is relevant until now.
“For example, we learn that success comes from discipline, commitment, work ethic and skills embroidered with the right attitude.
“This book is a benchmark that tells the story of the sacrifices a footballer or an athlete faced since schooling days, working hard to turn their dreams into reality, and finally making football a viable platform to earn a living during pre-internet times,” he said.
On behalf of the book’s publisher, Legasi Lagenda, Zaibidi Sultan says his team took almost four years to collect photographs and conduct interviews with relevant people involved in Shukor’s life to share the Penangite’s life on and off the pitch.
“We invested almost RM200,000 to make this book a reality. This is the inaugural edition in a legends series that aims to share the enthusiasm, commitment and bitter toil behind a big name that caught the imagination of sports fans nationwide.
“We want our reader, regardless of age, to recognise the legends we have. For those who caught a glimpse of the legends in action, surely this book will bring back nostalgic memories,” he said.
Zaibidi added that they are currently working on building a National Sports Museum and Harimau Malaya Museum.
“We hope Legasi Lagenda can work together with the Youth and Sports Ministry as well as FAM to make this project a reality,” he added.
He also said the selection of Shukor as the pioneer in the legends series was based on his commitment in the Harimau Malaya for over 10 years, beginning with the 1970 Thai King’s Cup until the 1981 Merdeka Tournament.
In 2021, Shukor was recognised in the FIFA Century Club.
Shukor also played in four editions of the SEA Games, two Asian Games, the finals of the 1976 and 1980 AFC Asia Cup, and the 1980 Pre-Olympics.
After retiring from the national squad, Shukor served as the coach and manager for the Penang football team.
The book is now on sale online at legasilagenda.com and will be available in local bookstores for RM160. – The Vibes, February 25, 2022.
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