Johor Crown Prince Tunku Ismail Sultan, who was officially named as the new president of Football Association of Malaysia (FAM), said he wants committee members and affiliates to serve Malaysian football with integrity and professionalism, in his first address on Saturday.
The announcement, confirming the 32-year-old's selection, was made by FAM secretary-general Datuk Hamidin Amin at the 53rd Congress of the governing body earlier today.
It was evident that the TMJ will be taking charge of Malaysian football for a five-year period from 2017 to 2021 after former Kelantan president Tan Sri Annuar Musa pulled out from the presidential race earlier this week. Hamidin Amin reportedly confirmed today that TMJ had received support from all the delegates of the association.
Also read: Ong Kim Swee blasts Malaysian fans over reaction to Philippines draw
Datuk Wira Mohd Yusoff Mahadi and Dato Sri Subahan Kamal were elected as Deputy Presidents and Dato' Ab Ghani Hassan, Dato' S. Sivasundaram, Datuk Rosmadi Ismail, Joehari Ayub were named as vice presidents, according to a report on Goal.com. Dato' Suraya Yaacob and Shafizah Umamah were the two elected women executive committee members.
TMJ had reportedly rejected offers for the president position in the past but he revealed that a change in mind had enable him to submit his candidature. The owner of Super League giants Johor Darul Ta'zim had been vocal about bringing about a change in administration of Malaysian football and his first move is likely to be axing of national coach, Ong Kim Swee, who has been struggling to produce the right results with the Tigers.
The new president did not waste time in expressing what he expected from the members of the association and sent an early warning as early as in his first address on Saturday.
"Congratulations to all that won today but they should not be too comfortable. What is important is that we are aware of our responsibilities and the trust given to us," TMJ said, as quoted by the report.
"Football belongs to the people and we are serving them. I call upon everyone here to be mindful of their integrity, professionalism and dedication towards their job."
