KJ firm not to contest for FAM presidency

Youth and Sports Minister, Khairy Jamaluddin Abu Bakar stood by his decision not to contest for the post of Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) president if Tengku Mahkota Johor (TMJ) Tengku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim decides to fill in the shoes of the country’s No.1 football organisation.

“My stand remains unchanged, if Tengku Ismail wishes to contest, then I won’t. I have met with the coalition members who nominated me, so I can gauge their motivation.

“But, if we agree for TMJ to contest, there is no need for me to be there too. I have many other things to do,” said Khairy Jamaluddin at the press conference after the signing of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between his ministry and Johor Petroleum Development Corporation Berhad, here, today.

The new FAM president will be elected at a March 25 congress.

READ: Indications point to TMJ as possible candidate for post of FAM president

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READ: TMJ confirmed running for FAM presidency

The submission of nomination forms for the top post and other FAM posts is open until 5.30pm today and the affiliated bodies will cast their votes on March 23.

Kelantan Football Association (KAFA) president Tan Sri Annuar Musa has confirmed his decision to run for the FAM presidency.

Prior to this, Khairy Jamaluddin had issued a statement saying that he will give way if Tunku Ismail decides to contest for the post. However, he needed to be sure if TMJ is indeed contesting.

Tunku Ismail, via a Facebook status on the Johor Southern Tigers page, gave an indication that he would contest for the ‘hot seat’ when he posted an image of him with Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) ex-coach, Mario Gomez with an accompanying caption that reads: ‘TMJ with future national coach’.

A day before that, Johor Sultan, Sultan Ibrahim gave his consent for his son to lead FAM in his effort to change the national football landscape.