John Beasley, who has served as Malaysia’s track cycling coach for 18 years, says he and his wife love Malaysia

PARIS: After more than 18 years of service to Malaysia’s track cycling team, coach John Beasley can now call Malaysia his home.

He was confirmed as a permanent resident three weeks ago.

I got a phone call, that was one of the happiest days in my life, saying that I have got permanent resident status. I feel accepted and honoured, and I really feel like I am a white Malaysian… I tell everyone I come from Genting Highlands, he said here.

“But yeah, I am proud, I love Malaysia. My wife (Vicky Beasley) loves it there. I am trying to learn Bahasa Malaysia as well.

I can follow a conversation by the boys (the members of the cycling team), but it is really hard for me to put it together; I am committed to getting it better, he said.

Beasley, who is Australian, became Malaysia’s national track cycling coach in January 2006, and was the backbone of keirin star Azizulhasni Awang’s growth from a teenager to world class keirin rider.