FAM needs people who work, not office seekers

The Football Association of Malaysia needs leaders who will work, not people chasing positions, according to Mohd Firdaus Mohamed, president of the Malaysian Malay Football Association.

His warning comes as FAM prepares for elections on Sept. 17 to fill the remaining posts for the 2025-29 term. Candidates must confirm whether they accept or reject their nominations by 5:30 p.m., with the final list due to become known the following day.

Firdaus said the election should focus on candidates’ visions, missions and plans rather than alliances or personal influence. “If FAM was at its highest point, now we are at the lowest point. That is why we need to choose people who want to do the work. Do not just talk about positions, but show what can be done to raise Malaysian football again,” he told Utusan Malaysia.

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If FAM was at its highest point, now we are at the lowest point. That is why we need to choose people who want to do the work. Do not just talk about positions, but show what can be done to raise Malaysian football again.

The presidency has drawn particular attention. Three names have been linked to the contest: FAM honorary president Hamidin Mohd Amin, Malaysian Football League president Ab Ghani Hassan and Selangor Football Association deputy president Shahril Mokhtar. None had confirmed their decisions when the article was published. Hamidin was reportedly unlikely to run, which could leave a head-to-head contest for the top post.

Changes are also expected in other races, including the first vice-presidency, where two candidates were reportedly withdrawing. The final confirmations could therefore alter the field before voting. The election takes place while FAM faces demands to repair its organizational structure and governance after controversies that damaged its credibility, including a document-forgery dispute involving seven players that led FIFA to take action against the players and FAM.

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Do not bring the names of those who support you or form alliances. Bring yourself. Everyone must promote their own service, mission and vision. We want people who truly want to work, not make a living in FAM.