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Malaysian Football Association delegates urged not to be 'yes-men' on constitutional changes
🇲🇾 Malaysia /Elections & Politics

Malaysian Football Association delegates urged not to be 'yes-men' on constitutional changes

From Utusan Malaysia · () Malay

Translated from Malay, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Football observers urge Malaysian Football Association (FAM) delegates to critically assess proposed constitutional amendments before the Extraordinary General Congress.
  • Concerns exist that amendments, purportedly from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), might consolidate power and overlook term limits, potentially leading to negative perceptions.
  • Delegates are advised to approach the proposals with independent thought, rejecting them if necessary to ensure the best future for Malaysian football.

Malaysian football observers are urging delegates attending the upcoming Extraordinary General Congress (EGM) of the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) to exercise caution and critical judgment regarding proposed constitutional amendments.

We do not want constitutional amendments that are seen as closed or difficult to access, ultimately only opening up space for the same candidates to continue dominating leadership.

— Datuk Dr. Pekan RamliExpressing concern that the proposed amendments might consolidate power within FAM.

Datuk Dr. Pekan Ramli, a local football observer, stressed the importance of delegates thoroughly evaluating each proposal. He noted that while the amendments are presented as a means to strengthen FAM's governance, stemming from an audit by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), certain aspects raise questions requiring deeper scrutiny.

Concerns have been voiced that the proposed changes might create a closed system, making leadership positions difficult to access for newcomers and potentially allowing the same individuals to maintain dominance. Pekan also highlighted worry over the potential disregard for existing term limits for officeholders, a move he believes could foster negative sentiment among football fans.

More worrying is if the term limit for holding office previously is no longer taken into account. Matters like this need to be evaluated maturely because it can create negative perceptions among football supporters.

— Datuk Dr. Pekan RamliHighlighting concerns about potential changes to term limits and their impact on public perception.

He advised delegates, representing state Football Associations (FAs) and Football Clubs (FCs), to approach the EGM with independent minds, free from undue influence. "Do not come with the assumption that all proposals must be supported and approved. If you disagree, then disagree. If it needs further review, give it time to be studied," Pekan stated.

Do not come with the assumption that all proposals must be supported and approved. If you disagree, then disagree. If it needs further review, give it time to be studied.

— Datuk Dr. Pekan RamliAdvising delegates to approach the EGM with independent thought and not blindly accept proposals.

Pekan acknowledged a degree of skepticism regarding the origin of the proposed amendments, questioning whether they are entirely from the AFC or the result of joint discussions with FAM. Regardless of the source, he emphasized that the ultimate goal must be to secure the best outcome for the development of Malaysian football.

I am also somewhat skeptical whether these are truly AFC proposals or if there were other discussions that also took place. We are not sure.

— Datuk Dr. Pekan RamliExpressing doubt about the sole origin of the proposed amendments, questioning AFC's full involvement.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Utusan Malaysia in Malay. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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