The Ministry of Youth and Sports hope to rebrand the national jersey, “Harimau Malaya” (Malayan Tiger) currently donned by the country's teams at international events.

Sports Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek, said that the rebranding exercise would be launched by the end of the year to project a single identity wear that can be proudly worn by athletes and supporters.

He said: ”We want Malaysians to be proud when they wear the attire just like what footballs fans of teams like Manchester United, who come in the team’s kit."

The national jersey, which has black tiger stripes motif on a yellow background, was unveiled by the then Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, in November, for the South East Asian Games in Manila.

Ahmad Shabery said that in efforts to win the country’s first gold medal in the Olympics, the “Road to London 2012” programme will be a significant one to furnish support from fans towards achieving the objective.

He said: “Starting 2010, we will have about two years to ensure the Malayan Tigers attire become a household attire in line with the 1Malaysia concept."

He added that with strong support from the fans and the inspiration derived when wearing the attire, can spur national athletes in their gold medal quest.

Malaysia, which gained independence from Britain in 1957, finished 74th in the medals table in Beijing with the silver medal badmionton player Lee Chong Wei won in the men's singles, the fourth Olympic medal won by a Malaysian player since the sport was introduced in 1992.

But the country of 27.4 million is still desperately waiting for its first gold medal.