Malaysia FA Considers Abolishing Honorary President Role

The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) is poised for significant administrative changes, with proposals to abolish the positions of honorary president and deputy president on the agenda.

These proposed changes are part of a new statute amendment set to be presented at the FAM Extraordinary Congress this Thursday. The move aims to modernize the association's governance structure, bringing it in line with international standards. Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Secretary General Datuk Seri Windsor Paul John stated that the honorary president role is no longer suitable for modern football management and is not practiced by major global football bodies.

"In today's era of professional football, positions like honorary president are no longer practiced. AFC doesn't have it, FIFA doesn't have it either," Windsor explained. He noted that while such positions were once popular, they have become increasingly irrelevant as administrative systems and statutes evolve.

Instead of honorary roles, Windsor mentioned that many countries now prefer to establish special councils or groups comprising former association leaders, without formally integrating them into the current administrative structure. The proposed abolition could directly impact the current Honorary President of FAM, Tan Sri Hamidin Mohd. Amin, who was appointed to the position last June.

Furthermore, the AFC has recommended a substantial overhaul of FAM's Executive Committee structure. The new draft statute proposes reducing the number of Executive Committee seats from 17 to 11, comprising one President, three Vice Presidents, and seven Exco members. Windsor indicated these suggestions stem from an AFC quality management audit aimed at ensuring FAM adheres to modern governance practices.