Malaysia is all excited over the possibility of winning its first Olympic gold with Prime Minister Najib Razak today cheering badminton finalist Lee Chong Wei.

NONE Lee will face arch-rival Li Dan of China in the men's singles badminton finals tomorrow. The 29-year-old Malaysian shuttler lost to Li in the finals of 2008 Olympics in Beijing.

"I asked him to be strong and do it for Malaysia. I believe he is prepared mentally to face Lin Dan and he has the chance to win the gold medal," Najib said.

He spoke to Lee minutes after the semifinal match against China's Chen Long on Friday and told him that Malaysians were giving their full support to him.

Lee qualified for the final after defeating Chen, 21-13, 21-14.

Rosmah to fly to London tonight

Najib said his wife would fly to London late Saturday to lead Malaysians in cheering for Lee during the final match.

PM's wife Rosmah Mansor, who is also patron of the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM), called on all Malaysians to pray for Chong Wei's victory.

lee chong wei in parliament 170310 shake hand rosmah "I hope Chong Wei will not be jittery when facing Lin Dan," she said.

Cash rewards from the government and private sector amounting to about RM3 million await Lee should he win the gold medal on Sunday.

Lee could also get could also get a 12.5-kilogram gold bar promised by Malaysian tycoon Andrew Kam to any Malaysian badminton player who can win the gold.

In Lee's home state of Penang, a restaurant owner promised to give free meals to customers on Sunday if Lee wins the gold.

Lee started out his Olympics campaign in uncertainty following an ankle injury which hobbled him for several months.

- dpa