Lim, a former Bayern Munich youth coach who helped develop talents like German international Thomas Muller, took over as the National Football Development Programme technical director in 2013 and was made Mokhtar Dahari Academy director three years later.

He came under fire after failing to achieve his target of qualifying for the Under-17 World Cup in Peru last year and his contract was not renewed as a result.

Khairy, responsible for convincing Lim to return, paid tribute to the 56-year-old “hard taskmaster” in his posting.

“He pushed the boys to their limits. He demanded the best from his coaches. He had his detractors. And we disagreed many times. But I let him do his job,” said Khairy.

“… The seeds that Lim has planted will blossom one day. As long as the system that he helped build isn’t destroyed by certain parties.”

While Khairy did not specify anyone, Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman was previously criticised for revealing Lim’s salary right after Malaysia failed to make the Under-17 World Cup.

Syed Saddiq said Lim’s pay of RM175,000, which came with a tax exemption, should be re-evaluated.

Lim, who is married to a German and has three children, is now back in Munich.