Winds of change are expected in the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) since a new leader is expected to helm the association when the FAM Council that meet on Aug 15 accepts the resignation of Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah as the FAM president.
The million dollar question on everyone’s mind now would be – who will be the most likely or suitable candidate to take over the 'hot seat' – more so when the governing body for football in the country has come under severe criticism recently.
The Tengku Mahkota of Johor, Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim had been touted as the most eligible or qualified leader to steer the 'sinking FAM ship' but the outspoken Tunku Ismail had right from the beginning shot down such a notion.
(VIDEO) TMJ: If I were FAM president...
Tunku Ismail had also pointed out that the FAM President need not necessarily be a royalty or has any relationship with state football associations or clubs.
Former FAM secretary-general Tan Sri Dr Ibrahim Saad agreed with Tunku Ismail's views because he too felt top posts in the FAM should not be officials holding posts in the states.
"I too made such a proposal before that anyone holding a post in the FAM must not be associated with state associations because there will be a conflict of interest.
"The FAM leadership must give priority to the Nation's interest first," he told Bernama when contacted.
Former international Dali Omar, a top grade footballer in the 70s said there must be a major revamp in the FAM with old faces replaced by new enterprising officials who have vast knowledge of the game and certainly with expertise to ensure a structured football development in the country.
Dali said the right candidate for the job of FAM president should be an ex-international and not just someone with status or position.
"Having someone powerful at the top would only make it difficult for those in the lower ranks to express their views or opinion. They will be reluctant to express their opinion for fear that they will be 'punished'.
"What is happening in the FAM now is that no one is brave enough to criticise because they are not willing to risk their position. The FAM president should know how to manage football in total. He must be hands on and equipped with knowledge about football. He should be impartial to states," said the player who had represented a club in Australia in 1972.
Football Coaches Association of Malaysia (FCAM) president B. Sathianathan said a renown corporate figure like Tan Sri Tony Fernandes and Tunku Ismail would be the most ideal candidates.
The president should have time for the association and dedicate his efforts to strengthen the financial status and ensure the administration of the association is the person’s main priority.
"The president must have a vision and a clear understanding of the short term and long term development plans," said the former National coach.
Malaysia is not short of corporate figures who have the capability to manage football since Tony Fernandes had owned English Premier League club Queen Park Rangers; Tan Sri Vincent Tan was the owner of (Cardiff City) while Datuk Dr Noordin Ahmad had ventured into Italian Serie A to buy (FC Bari 1908).
Bernama
Wed Aug 10 2016
Change is imminent in the Football Association of Malaysia when the FAM Council accepts its president's resignation on Aug 15.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.