We cannot deny that the Johor Crown Prince, Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim is the more popular choice for the post of FAM (Football Association of Malaysia) President, come elections this Saturday.
The visionary who has brought Johor Darul Ta’zim’s football to greater heights is perceived a “saviour” by large chunk of football fans. The Crown Prince, also fondly known as TMJ, was also the only candidate to hold a meet-the-fans session to meet with local football supporters and narrate his manifesto.
Whether this support for TMJ is fuelled by football fan’s love for football, or simply because they are against his opponent, former Kelantan FA president Tan Sri Annuar Musa who embroiled in financial scandals, it is definitely working in favour of TMJ.
In fact, the more time Tan Sri Annuar spends refuting his financial scandals and lesser time explaining his manifesto, he’s inadvertently helping TMJ to dominate the polls and gain more supporters.
“TMJ supporters are increasing and in fact, they have increased much, much more since the Sultan of Johor noted that TMJ is capable changing the landscape of Malaysian football.” said Datuk Yusoff Mahadi, an ardent believer in TMJ who is also contesting for the post of vice president.
Back in February, Datuk Yusoff Mahadi led a delegation to Johor to hold an audience with the Sultan of Johor. And after a period of discussion, Sultan Ibrahim gave his son the ‘green light’ to compete for the role and ‘save’ Malaysian football.
“Look at what’s he’s achieved with Johor Darul Ta’zim in just three years. TMJ’s managed to put Johor DT on the international map.” he told Berita Harian.
“But I think what’s more important to note is that the support for TMJ is solid! No one is pretending to support him with any hidden agenda.”
Datuk Yusoff Maahdi will be going up against Datuk Seri Afandi Hamzah and Datuk eri Subahan Kamal to contest for the role of FAM’s vice president.
Other posts by Gowri Krishnan
