Football: Megat D Shahriman Expresses Interest in Leading FAM
Kuala Lumpur, January 3 (Bernama) – Malaysian Paralympic Council (MPM) president Datuk Seri Megat D Shahriman Zaharudin has expressed interest in leading the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) ahead of the FAM Executive Committee election for the 2025-2029 term, next month.
FAM’s Financial Accountability
Megat D Shahriman said football has a special place in his life and he personally follows the current developments of the national team as well as issues in FAM. If given the opportunity to lead the country’s football governing body, the first step would be to examine the association’s financial accounts and liabilities in depth.
"The first thing I will do is to examine FAM’s accounts, what are FAM’s liabilities, how much money is there, what is our exposure. From there, we can see where the money goes. We have to ensure that FAM affiliates are fully informed about the association’s financial movements and then discuss with them again what they want (to move forward)," he said during a press conference here today.
Handling the ‘Supernatural Hand’ Allegation
When asked about the great challenge regarding the allegation of the existence of a ‘supernatural hand’ in the country’s football, Megat D Shahriman said the matter should be handled wisely without compromising principles and the constitution.
"If there is a supernatural hand, you must be able to handle the supernatural hand without compromising you have a constitution, procedures and governance, all that has to be intact. You cannot bulldoze, you cannot simply make a decision without consensus that’s wrong. You have to be advised that there is a supernatural hand or not you must be advised. You must be able to handle it and must be able to tell what are the things to be done and what things not to be done," he said.
FAM Election
Based on the FAM statute, any individual can contest provided that they get enough nominations from affiliates with a total of six nominations required to contest for the presidency. Previously, former FAM deputy president Datuk Seri Afandi Hamzah and corporate member Sayf Ismail were among those who offered to contest for the presidency while FAM vice-president Datuk Mohd Joehari Mohd Ayub was said to be the ‘approved’ candidate to replace Tan Sri Hamidin Mohd Amin.
The election of the FAM Executive Committee for the 2025-2029 term at the parent body’s congress is scheduled to take place on February 15 while the closing date for nominations is January 16.
Conclusion
Megat D Shahriman’s interest in leading FAM comes at a time when the association is facing numerous challenges, including the ‘supernatural hand’ allegation. His emphasis on financial accountability and transparency is a positive step towards ensuring the sustainability and integrity of FAM.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is your vision for FAM?
A: My vision is to ensure the financial sustainability and integrity of FAM, and to work closely with affiliates to move the association forward.
Q: How do you plan to handle the ‘supernatural hand’ allegation?
A: I believe that the matter should be handled wisely without compromising principles and the constitution. We need to be advised that there is a supernatural hand or not, and we must be able to handle it and tell what are the things to be done and what things not to be done.
Q: What is your take on the current state of FAM?
A: FAM is facing numerous challenges, including the ‘supernatural hand’ allegation. However, I believe that with the right leadership and approach, we can overcome these challenges and move the association forward.