M'SIAN PM NAJIB TELLS THOMAS CUP SQUAD TO DO THEIR BEST AND EMULATE 1992 SUCCESS

PEKAN (Malaysia), May 8 (Bernama) -- Najib Tun Razak hopes the Thomas Cup
squad will be able to do their best on the best platform (home) so as to wrest
the Thomas Cup after 18 years.

The Prime Minister said the government was always committed towards giving
full support for the national squad.

"However, I do not want to put pressure on the players because if we always
insist on them winning, it will add on to their emotional and physiological
pressure," Najib told reporters in Pekan, the royal town of the Malaysian east
coast state of Pahang, Friday.

Najib expressed confidence that playing at home, coupled with the good form
of the squad, would be able to bring about victory, similar to the one achieved
in 1992.

"They (players) are talented, experienced and capable enough to represent
the country and all factors favour us. I am confident they know what to do," he
said.

The Prime Minister who is an avid fan and player himself, said every team
that plays in the competition would have their own mission, of taking home the
prestigious cup.

"Competition in the Thomas Cup is stiff and what is expected of them is to
give their best," he said.

-- BERNAMA