Johor Darul Ta’azim (JDT) owner Tunku Ismail ibni Sultan Ibrahim has lashed out at Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin for claiming that the local players lack the quality needed to perform on the international stage.
Khairy Jamaluddin voiced out his concerns on the local players in the country after Malaysia’s FIFA rankings fell to an all-time low of 174 last week. The United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) youth wing president said that he was not surprised with the shocking drop in ranking because the quality of the players and coaches is not good enough.
However, the Crown Prince of Johor disagreed with Khairy Jamaluddin’s statement.
“As a Sports Minister, you should be responsible to fix the problem. The one that lacks quality are few of our ministers and people in the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) that knows only to point fingers, blaming other people without ever taking responsibility or any accountability,” Tunku Ismail said on Johor Southern Tigers’ Facebook page yesterday.
“The organisation is responsible to educate the players and implement professionalism.”
Tunku Ismail then mentioned that all parties should play a part and discuss the best way to improve the national team and football in the country by stated four objectives to satisfy.
“Everyone is interested about what is in their pockets. No one really cares about our football.
“FAM should give more of the broadcasting rights to all participating teams in Malaysia and not keep most of the proceeds for themselves. Secondly, FAM must be consistent in making their decisions. Thirdly, they should use foreign expertise and not be too arrogant for their own good. Lastly, make youth development programs compulsory for all clubs in Malaysia.
The 31 year-old went on to question Khairy Jamaluddin’s position as Youth and Sports Minister, after the latter was allegedly involved in a RM100 million scandal a few weeks ago.
“You should not be sitting where you are right now if you do not have what it takes to bring positive changes to our local football scene and improve this system from the stone ages.
“Before I forget, in regards to the RM100 million missing from the ministry, I would be honoured if you can donate some to us, if there is any of the money left.
“Thank you ‘big and important people’ of Malaysia,” Tunku Ismail concluded.
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