FAM Election: Focus on Merit, Not Just Familiar Faces, Urges Former Exco Member
Translated from Malay, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Malaysian Football Association (FAM) affiliates should select candidates based on merit and capability, not just familiarity with new or old faces.
- Former FAM Executive Committee member Datuk Mohd Hisamudin Yahaya emphasizes the importance of experience in football administration for potential candidates.
- Hisamudin himself is ready to defend his FAM Exco position, having received nominations and accepted them.
Affiliates of the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) must prioritize merit and capability when choosing candidates for the upcoming election on September 17. Datuk Mohd Hisamudin Yahaya, a former FAM Executive Committee member, stressed that the selection process should not be swayed by whether a candidate is a familiar or new face. Instead, he urged affiliates to consider the actual experience and administrative skills each candidate brings to the table.
For me, affiliates need to look at the merit of each candidate. Don't just because someone is an old face, we immediately sideline them. Likewise, new faces, they also need to be evaluated based on their abilities and experience.
Hisamudin highlighted that individuals with a proven track record in football administration deserve consideration, as they possess a deep understanding of managing such a governing body. He believes the FAM election congress should be open to all qualified individuals capable of driving change and strengthening the nation's football governance. "For me, affiliates need to look at the merit of each candidate. Don't just because someone is an old face, we immediately sideline them. Likewise, new faces, they also need to be evaluated based on their abilities and experience," he stated.
He further elaborated that open competition between established and new candidates is beneficial, offering affiliates a chance to select the best leadership. Crucially, the chosen candidates must be team players with a clear vision for developing Malaysian football from the grassroots to the national level. "Don't just look at faces. What we want are people who can really work, have experience and ideas to help FAM move forward," Hisamudin added.
Don't just look at faces. What we want are people who can really work, have experience and ideas to help FAM move forward.
In a related development, Hisamudin confirmed his willingness to defend his FAM Exco position. He has received nominations from affiliates and has formally accepted them, signaling his readiness to continue serving. Hisamudin, who has prior experience in FAM's administration, reiterated his commitment to contributing to the nation's football development if re-elected. He acknowledged that the final decision rests with the affiliates and expressed that he does not wish to preempt the election process.
I have received the nomination and have also replied to the acceptance letter. So, I am ready to defend the Exco position if given the trust by the affiliates.
Originally published by Utusan Malaysia in Malay. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.