Shahril Mokhtar offers 'cleaning' formula for Malaysian football association presidency

Datuk Seri Shahril Mokhtar has openly declared himself an 'underdog' in the race for the presidency of the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM). Despite acknowledging the perceived advantages of frontrunners like FAM Honorary President Tan Sri Hamidin Mohd Amin and Malaysian Football League (MFL) President Datuk Ab Ghani Hassan, Shahril is determined to champion a much-needed reform agenda.

Shahril, who also serves as the Deputy President of the Selangor Football Association (FAS), is offering a platform of "comprehensive reform" for the national football governing body. He believes that the delegates, who will vote on September 17, are now more mature and aware of the true state of Malaysian football, including issues with governance and the recent Asian Football Confederation (AFC) audit report.

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I am always an underdog, and I feel I am an underdog. Whatever it is, the affiliates will make the decision on September 17.

"I am always an underdog, and I feel I am an underdog. Whatever it is, the affiliates will make the decision on September 17," Shahril stated. He added that the delegates understand the context of the AFC audit and other challenges. "So the decision is in their hands. If they want comprehensive change, choose a new person. If they feel they still want to be in the old ways, choose who is there. For me, change will happen. That is my job and in any corporation, my job is 'cleaning'," he explained.

This statement clearly signals his intention to overhaul FAM, especially as the organization works to regain fan confidence amidst recent controversies. However, Shahril has not yet made a final decision on whether to accept the nomination. He is awaiting the views and approval of the Raja Muda of Selangor, Tengku Amir Shah Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, who is also the FAS president. Shahril indicated he would make his final decision by September 1, after consulting with his "boss."

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So the decision is in their hands. If they want comprehensive change, choose a new person. If they feel they still want to be in the old ways, choose who is there. For me, change will happen. That is my job and in any corporation, my job is 'cleaning'.