Making flying cars easier than qualifying for World Cup, says Khairy

Khairy Jamaluddin called for patience as the Malaysian Ministry of Youth and Sports tries to help realise the nation's dream of qualifying for the FIFA World Cup.

Despite football being the most popular sport in the country, the Harimau Malaya have never qualified for football's biggest event.

In the national team's most recent attempt, they crashed out in the AFC second qualifying group stage for Russia 2018, recording one win, one draw and six defeats.

While admitting it is a difficult task, Khairy reiterated his Ministry's commitment in achieving the goal during a 2050 National Transformation (TN50) dialogue in Penampang, Sabah, on Sunday.

"I feel that the mission to qualify for the World Cup is the most difficult one in TN50," he said.

"Compared to Japan, we were better, but now they qualify for the World Cup every time.

"Making flying cars would be easier, but we will try our best [to help the national team qualify for the World Cup]."

At the same dialogue, Khairy also revealed his ministry's plan to open more centres under the National Football Development Programme (NFDP) in Sabah.

"For next year, I hope we will have more centres in Sabah," he added.

"It is part of our plans to open a grassroots academy and a district training centre in every district or parliamentary constituency.

"It will happen in stages and I will ensure the centres will be opened in the state next year."