Rasalingam was associated with KL's glory days

DATUK K. Rasalingam, one of the founding fathers of the Kuala Lumpur FA (KLFA), died on Thursday in Petaling Jaya. He was 79.

The former Kuala Lumpur FA secretary, who also served the Selangor FA as a council member (1970-72), was cremated on the same day in Cheras.

He leaves behind wife Datin Ponmalar Mailvahanam, daughter Anitha Rasalingam and son Datuk Dr Kantha Rasalingam.

Rasalingam, together with Datuk Goh Ah Chai, Hamzah Muhamad, MJ Vincent, Shariff Mustafa, Jeswant Singh and T. Manickrajah set up the Federal Territory FA, now known as KLFA, in 1974.

Rasalingam was running the KLFA when the Hawks won the Malaysia Cup three times in a row between 1987-89.

“Without him, the KL football team wouldn’t have existed. He played an instrumental role in achieving all the club’s visions,” said KLFA in a statement.

Rasalingam had also served the FA of Malaysia (FAM) as a council member (1978-2000).

“He was among those who played a role in the rise of KL as a powerhouse in the past.

“He was part of the team who drafted the plan to change the landscape of Malaysian football from amateur to semi-pro and professional when he was a council member.

“His hard work will not be forgotten,” said FAM in a statement.