HASLIR bin Ibrahim
Sports Personalities of Singapore,
Accession Number 003384
- Oral History Centre
Source
- 11
Total Reels
- Mohd Yussoff Ahmad
Interviewer
- 10:14:31
Total Running Time
- Malay
Language
Copyright Notice
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Reel/Disc 1 of 11
Metadata
- 11 Feb 2009
Recording Date
- 00:56:29
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
*Haslir Bin Ibrahim was born in 1950 in Perak, Malaysia. Haslir's parents came from Minang Indonesia and they migrated to Malaya before migrating to Singapore. Out of 11 children, five of them were born in Perak. Haslir is the fourth child. Haslir related his parents' background. The family migrated to Singapore in 1951. His father worked as an immigration officer. Haslir's mother was a housewife. His family migrated over to Singapore in 1951 and did not go back to Perak after that. Haslir cited that the family was already comfortable in Singapore and due to his father's comfortable job, his family remained in Singapore. Haslir and family stayed at Jalan Pinang when they came to Singapore for about five to six years. He related his memories of the place.
Haslir shared on his parents' way of upbringing his children. According to Haslir, his father was a strict disciplinarian. He was also a firm man who did not talk much. For his mother, she is soft spoken, caring and always giving in. Haslir is closer to his mother who is now 87 years old. Haslir and family moved to Jalan Pagak after which to Kaki Bukit. The intention of moving to Kaki Bukit was to have their own house. Haslir related his fond memories living in Kaki Bukit which he cited as a well organised kampong with good spirit of gotong royong (co-operation).
Haslir related on his education background. Haslir studied at Sekolah Kampong Melayu from primary one to six. After which he went to Tun Seri Lanang for two years before being transferred to Telok Kurau Secondary. Haslir was transferred to Telok Kurau because of the riot that broke out when he was in secondary two. Haslir related his interest in football had started ever since he's in primary school. Haslir started working when he completed his secondary four. His first job was at a Bombay shop as a general worker, after which he worked at Fraser & Neave (F&N) at River Valley. Haslir was scouted by the late Choo Seng Quee who asked him to play for KLM football team. Haslir then made the job switch to KLM working at the cargo department besides playing for the team and competed in Business League. Due to winning the Business League, KLM's boss gave the players a treat to Holland. Besides visiting, the team also played some friendly games there. Haslir shared his experience in Holland.
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Reel/Disc 3 of 11
Metadata
- 12 Feb 2009
Recording Date
- 00:56:18
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
*Haslir shared what he thought of the late Choo Seng Quee. He cited Choo took care of his players like taking care of his own children. Choo stressed on discipline and expect 100% concentration from his players in training and match game and he instilled the spirit of patriotism in his players. Choo's words at times might be harsh but he was kind at heart. Haslir related a typical training day under Choo Seng Quee. He cited that Choo kept changing his training method every day and it would be a waste if a player missed the training for a day. Haslir cited that it was very important for players to communicate on the field.
Haslir related on Hussein Aljunied when he became the National coach. Haslir cited that his training method was more physical as he was from the Army. Haslir shared on the National team's trip to China for Goodwill under Hussein Aljunied. The team played against three teams in three different provinces namely Canton, Funan and Peking (Beijing). He related every game and what was most his fondest memories. Haslir was impressed by the country's discipline under Mao Zedong's era and was amazed by the Great Wall of China that took many dynasties to complete one of Seven Wonders of the World.
Coming back from the trip, Haslir related on the team preparation for Malaysia Cup tournament. He related on a match proceeding before, during and after a match.
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Reel/Disc 4 of 11
Metadata
- 12 Feb 2009
Recording Date
- 00:56:29
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
*Haslir related that he always tried to ignore the crowd while playing and imagined that he was playing in an empty stadium. He did not want to lose focus on the game. Haslir shared the times when he would do overlapping to support the attack. As a defender, playing at right back position, Haslir would be happy when he got his name on the score sheet. Haslir stressed that mental strength was very important especially when his team were down in a crucial match. He related the scenario in the dressing game if the team was trailing. Usually the team would discuss how to get an equalizer and not to make mistakes again that could cause an opponent's goal. If the team was leading, the players would have to keep the concentration, keep ball possession and could not take the game lightly.
Haslir described the team's strategy in the last 10 minutes of the game, the most crucial and pressuring if the team was down. If the team was ahead, it's very important not to lose the ball to the opponent. Haslir shared on the telepathic understanding among the players. It was the bond the players had in training and they were like family hence the results showed on the pitch. Haslir shared on his sliding tackle that made players bigger than him a victim, amongst which was the famous Malaysian star, the late Mokhtar Dahari. Haslir cited that his intention was to go for the ball and it's not a worry for him the size of the opponent. Haslir shared the team's mood when the final whistle had been blown in defeat and when they won. The players would often go for Sup Tulang if they won, walking to the eating place, at times fans would walk with them.
Haslir related on the name that was given to him, Kereta Kebal or Russian Tank. While he was quite happy to be given the name, Haslir did not know who started calling him that. Haslir cited that the knee is a very important part for an athlete, as if it's injured, he could not play and confident level would drop. Haslir named the first eleven players who played in the Malaysia Cup final against Penang. Haslir shared the bitter-sweet memories throughout the Malaysia Cup journey. Haslir cited that he really appreciated the football fans' support to the team especially when they played an away game. He cited that the players had to be committed as the fans at times had to queue up for very long and sometimes overnight to get tickets and the team had to give value for their money. The fans' support was very overwhelming and it's the players' duty not to let them down.
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Reel/Disc 5 of 11
Metadata
- 13 Feb 2009
Recording Date
- 00:55:04
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
*Haslir touched on the discipline issue that was brought up by the National team's coach in 1975. He also mentioned on report about players who had long hair that had to be cut away. According to Haslir, the report was not true. No barber was asked to cut the National team players' hair. It was much of a fashion trend at that time to sport long hair. Whatever it is, Haslir cited what was important was players were judged based on their performance and not appearance.
Haslir shared on the Malaysia Cup tournament in 1975. Singapore got in the final when they beat Kelantan 4-0. All four goals were scored at Kelantan. Both teams did not manage to score in the return leg at Singapore. Haslir shared the magic moments. Singapore faced its traditional rivalry, Selangor in the final. The team was in high spirit and was so confident in beating Selangor. Singapore lost the game 1-0 and Haslir cited several factors that caused the team's downfall, one of which was the wet pitch. Haslir cited that it rained every time when Singapore and Selangor meet.
Haslir shared on the post mortem of the match and what did the coach have to say. Haslir went on relating on the Cup Final in 1976 where Singapore lost again to Selangor 3-0. The coach was Hussein Aljunied. Haslir related the match proceedings. 1977 saw the change in the coach's seat again, this time it was under the late Choo Seng Quee. The National team not only had to prepare for Malaysia Cup but also the Pre-World Cup tournament. It was also the year Haslir got married. He touched on his wedding and the reception that was held at the stadium's restaurant briefly.
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Reel/Disc 6 of 11
Metadata
- 13 Feb 2009
Recording Date
- 00:57:47
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
*Haslir related on the National team's preparation for the Pre-World Cup tournament in 1977. The centralized training was held at Orchid Inn for about two weeks. Haslir shared on training sessions that were held. One of the routine that Choo emphasized on was weight lifting. Haslir related on the tournament that was held in Singapore. Singapore won against North Korea and China but lost to Hong Kong. He related on the matches played against the teams. Singapore did not qualify to the second round because of the defeat to Hong Kong. The intensive training was not wasted though as it gave the edge to the players competing in Malaysia Cup tournament.
Haslir related the team's Malaysia Cup journey. The team felt that they were well prepared and were confident to meet any team. Singapore met Selangor again, this time it was in the semi final. Haslir related the match proceedings which Singapore won 2-1 with Dollah Kassim and Quah Kim Song scored for Singapore. Haslir cited that every player was disciplined and stuck to their duty. Mokhtar Dahari was finally contained by Syed Mutalib. Haslir related that the team and officials were jubilant on the final whistle while the Singapore fans went wild with celebrations. The mood in Singapore camp was ecstatic as finally Selangor was beaten at their home ground. Selangor was very disappointed and they never thought that Singapore would get the better of them. Haslir cited what went wrong with Selangor and what went right for Singapore.
The final game was against Penang. The players were confident that they could bring back the Cup finally after 12 years hiatus. The team went for intensive training in Orchid Inn. Haslir related the big day at Merdeka Stadium. Players reached the stadium at 6pm and it was already packed with fans. Haslir shared Choo Seng Quee's last motivational words to the players before they entered the pitch. Every player was urged to stick to their duty. Penang had Isa Bakar as their danger man and main striker. Singapore let in a goal which Haslir cited a mistake that was a result of miscommunication. Haslir commented on the mistake.
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Reel/Disc 7 of 11
Metadata
- 18 Feb 2009
Recording Date
- 00:57:38
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
*Haslir cited that Samad Allapitchay was taken out after Penang scored the second goal and replaced by Lim Teng Sai. Singapore was leading 1-0 but they ended up trailing 1-2 when they headed back to the dressing room. To Haslir, it was the right decision for Choo Seng Quee to take out Samad and any decision made was entirely up to the coach. Some players were shocked of the change. Singapore was still confident of winning though they were trailing at half time. Rajagopal was replaced by Nasir Jalil in the second half. Haslir related the second half proceeding and the equalizer that was scored by Nasir Jalil. It was still deadlocked 2-2 at stoppage time and the match went into extra time. As Singapore had the edge in fitness, the team scored through Quah Kim Song.
Penang assault of attacks intensified in the dying minutes until they won a free kick outside the penalty box. However Singapore stood strong and when the final whistle was blown, finally the Malaysia Cup was brought back to Singapore after 12 long years. Singapore won 3-2. Haslir was very happy especially to see their hard work in training had not gone into waste and they could taste their sweet fruit of labour. Haslir related the scene at Paya Lebar Airport when they returned to Singapore. Thousands of fans greeted the players. The cup was paraded from the airport to Jalan Besar Stadium. It's a memorable year indeed for Singapore football.
The following year in 1978, Choo Seng Quee was replaced by Sebastian Yap. It was not known by Choo did not stay on as the National coach. Singapore managed to enter the Malaysia Cup final again, they were up against Selangor. Singapore was leading 2-0 at half time and was confident of winning the Cup again. Alas, Singapore lost 2-4 on the final whistle. Haslir was very disappointed as he felt tht some of the players were not committed to the final. He related the team's mood after the game. Haslir did not play for Singapore in Merdeka Cup tournament because of work matters. The National coach was changed again in 1979. Jita Singh became the coach.
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Reel/Disc 8 of 11
Metadata
- 18 Feb 2009
Recording Date
- 00:53:39
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
* Haslir commented on a newspaper article that quoted him saying, "I thought then that my international career was finished... I wanted to give Jita another chance, give me another chance." Haslir cited that he never issued any statement. As it did not bother his personal life, he just let the matter rest. Haslir related on the player coach relationship he had with Jita. To Haslir, Jita is a friendly person whom he did not like to lose. Haslir shared on the team's preparation under the coach for 1979 Malaysia Cup campaign. Singapore successfully marched to the final for the third successive time; they were up against Selangor again. Singapore lost the final 2-0. Haslir shared the mood in the dressing room after the game. Jita did the post mortem with the players when they came back to Singapore.
Several young players were introduced to the squad with the likes of Fandi Ahmad, Razali Alias and Au Yeong Pak Kuan in 1980. Jita Singh remained as the coach. With the inception of the new blood, the competition for the first eleven intensified. Only in form players would make it to the first eleven. Singapore once again made it to the final against Selangor. Haslir felt that the 1980 squad was more energetic with the young players.
Not many knew of Fandi at that time and Selangor was still figuring out how Fandi played. Singapore won 2-1 with Fandi scoring one of the goals. It was a memorable day for Haslir as his wife gave birth to their second child on the same day of the final. It was indeed a dream came true to Haslir. Haslir related the scene at Changi Airport when they came back with the Cup. Jita and the team brought the Cup to Haslir's house at Bedok South then to celebrate the birth of Haslir's son. Haslir felt happy with the team's gesture and he felt his service to the National team was appreciated.
1981 was a disappointment year for the team. Singapore was up against Selangor again and they lost 4-0. Haslir could not point out what was the reason of the team's inconsistency and he felt that some of the players were not sincere in donning the national jersey in the final.
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Reel/Disc 9 of 11
Metadata
- 18 Feb 2009
Recording Date
- 00:56:21
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
*Haslir related that when Singapore was down 2-0, he had signalled to the coach to replace the goalkeeper as Haslir felt that the keeper kept having lapse in concentration. However the coach, Jita Singh did not make any changes. The players' morale was already down even before the second half. Haslir was very disappointed with the result as he cited that what was the use of going to the final when that was how the team played. Haslir saw that there were two camps in the squad, with one going all out to save the game and the other being non-committal. Haslir commented on the report that came out in the newspaper a few days after the game, mentioning that some players were involved in bribery.
Haslir felt it was time for him to withdraw from the national scene, so he tendered his resignation in 1982. However Haslir still continued playing at club level for Tiong Bahru FC. Haslir cited the highest moments he had while he was playing for the National team from 1974-1982. He mentioned the Cup winning year in 1977 and the birth of his second child on the same day of the final in 1980 as well as his relationship with Zainal Abidin Manan were the fondest memories he had. The lowest moments were losing 4-0 to Selangor in 1981 until some of his friends were associated with negative reports.
Haslir cited the technique to be a good defender. Among the important things a defender should have is to be aggressive, mentally and physically strong as well as confidence. It's always been his principle to play clean football; always go for the ball and not the opponent's legs. Haslir still plays the game until today; most of the matches he played are for Singapore Veterans. Haslir cited that he would never give up the game. He shared on the committee that organizes annual meet up of Singapore's veteran players who played for Singapore and Singapore Malays from the 60s until 90s.
Haslir shared about his six children. Haslir has two boys and four girls. While he sees the potential in his two sons in football. Haslir wants his children to focus on studies. Four of his children went to university, one waiting for 'A' Level results and the youngest in secondary three. Haslir gave his opinion on his team mates' character namely Dollah Kassim, Quah Kim Song, Mohd Noh, Samad Allapitchay, Arshad Khamis, Lim Teng Sai, Zainal Abidin Manan, Eric Pane, Edmund Wee, Rajagopal, Syed Mutalib, Nasir Jalil and Fandi Ahmad. Haslir's advice to those who's aspiring to be football players are to be humble and learn by mistakes. He hopes that Singapore will be able to compete in Malaysia Cup tournament again and that the local players in S League receive the same salary scale as the foreign players.
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Reel/Disc 10 of 11
Metadata
- 7 Jul 2009
Recording Date
- 00:54:02
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
*Haslir was among the lucky few who had the chance to be on the field of Kallang Stadium before it was officially opened. Haslir and the team had the chance to train at the stadium. The first thoughts he had when he stepped into the stadium were his imagination of thousands of supporters who would fill the stands. It was something that Haslir looked forward to. Haslir described his feelings and other players in the dressing room before they stepped out to the pitch. For Haslir, what was important for him was not to lose concentration and he would just remained focus. As for his team mates, some looked excited and some looked stiff but if there were any sense of anxiety or nervousness, the players did not show any. Haslir described the Kallang Roar’s reaction when the players came out to the pitch.
The Roar would give tremendous applause for their favourite players while jeering could be heard for the opposing team. Haslir cited that the jeering was to make the opponent lost concentration. Haslir cited that the crowd would cheer on the team loud when they were on attacking mode and for Haslir, the cheers for him could be heard loud and clear everytime he did his famous overlapping runs. Haslir commented on the Kallang Roar’s evolution from the chanting of “Referee Kayu” to the beating of drums. Chants of ‘referee kayu’ could be heard when the referee made questionable decisions. ‘Kelong’ was meant for players who made abnormal mistakes during the play which might have caused the game.
Haslir cited that some spectators went to see a game to ease their tension or for the love of the sport while others might be there for betting. Haslir cited that maybe the chants of “Kelong” or the likes of it came from those who lost their bet. Haslir could not point out exactly who started the “Ole-ole” chants. Haslir cited most players would fight to be in the first eleven. One of the reasons was to soak in the Kallang Roar’s atmosphere. Haslir cited that Kallang Roar was like the 12th player when Singapore played home grown and it played a very important role especially playing against a good team like Selangor. While at times the spectators would give out “instructions” from the stands, as a player, Haslir was not being influenced. He would just focus on the game and made his own decisions.
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