Professional Footballers Association of Malaysia (PFAM)’s president Hairuddin Omar has asserted that the most suitable candidate for the post of FAM President is Tunku Ibrahim Sultan Ismail, or TMJ, as he is fondly known.
Hairuddin acknowledges that both candidates, TMJ and Tan Sri Annuar Musa have their own reputation and credibility to helm the position. He also added these two “heavyweight” contenders going head-to-head is probably the most interesting presidential election he has ever witnessed in his football career.
According to the PFAM president, the next FAM president needs to fulfil these three criterias: make FAM the priority at all times, have a wide range of football knowledge and experience, and have excellent networking skills. Based on these three criterias, Hairuddin thinks that no one is better fit for the job than TMJ.
“The next five years after choosing the president is very critical, because it will determine the course of Malaysian football. Therefore, we cannot make any compromises when it comes to choosing the right president.”
“I’m not endorsing TMJ simply because he’s a patron of PFAM, but because he has a successful track record heading JDT. Although he has other administrative duties as the Crown Prince of Johor, he managed to make football his priority. That’s what we’re looking for in a president.” he added.
“He has managed JDT exceptionally well, built world class infrastructure and facilities. If he can do all that with JDT, imagine what he can do with at a national level. He also understands the players really well, which is another important quality he possess.”
Apart from that, TMJ also has a very good relationship with international clubs like Valencia and Borussia Dortmund, and these are allies that will play a huge part in taking Malaysian football to the next level.
However, Hairuddin also noted that change will not happen overnight. But he hopes that the appointment of TMJ as the president of FAM will transform the landscape of Malaysian football by reforming mentality and the game plan for the FAM and Malaysian football.
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