Football Observer Backs Disclosure of AFC Audit Report on FAM for Accountability

Datuk Dr. Pekan Ramli, a local football observer, has backed the proposal to publicly reveal the Asian Football Confederation's (AFC) audit report concerning the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM). He believes this move is essential to uphold accountability and integrity within the organization.

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There is a basis for the request because it is more about accountability related to integrity, especially involving funds from the government and corporations.

Pekan emphasized that the report's disclosure is particularly important because it involves the use of funds from both the government and corporate entities. These funds require transparent accountability to stakeholders and the public. "There is a basis for the request because it is more about accountability related to integrity, especially involving funds from the government and corporations," Pekan stated.

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If it's using one's own money, it's fine, but now we are talking about funds from the government and corporations that need to be accounted for and transparent because it is closely related to governance and management.

He added that while the use of personal funds would be a different matter, the current situation involves public and corporate money that necessitates clear governance. "If it's using one's own money, it's fine, but now we are talking about funds from the government and corporations that need to be accounted for and transparent because it is closely related to governance and management," he explained.

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This is not government interference because when there are issues involving accountability and integrity, can we not be concerned? This has nothing to do with the government. Corporations also want to know how the funds they provide are spent.

However, Pekan suggested that presenting the audit report in Parliament for public disclosure would suffice, without the need for extensive debate. He argued that this step would not constitute government interference in football association affairs, as the issues raised are primarily about accountability and integrity. "This is not government interference because when there are issues involving accountability and integrity, can we not be concerned? This has nothing to do with the government. Corporations also want to know how the funds they provide are spent," he said. Pekan questioned the rationale behind announcing fund receipts publicly while deeming inquiries into fund expenditure as sensitive. "Why must the receipt of funds be announced to the public, but when people want to know how the money is spent, it's suddenly said it cannot be done because of fear of government interference? If there's no wrongdoing, what is there to fear?" he asked.

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Why must the receipt of funds be announced to the public, but when people want to know how the money is spent, it's suddenly said it cannot be done because of fear of government interference? If there's no wrongdoing, what is there to fear?