Candidates with poor track records will be a liability to FAM, warns ex-exco member

 Christopher Raj says those who failed to resolve basic issues should not offer themselves for election.

Former FAM executive committee member Christopher Raj said introducing underperforming officials into the national body would only harm the organisation and its president. (Bernama pic)

KUALA LUMPUR:

Candidates with poor track records at the state or club level will become a liability if elected to the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) leadership, warns a former FAM executive committee member.

Christopher Raj said those who failed to resolve basic issues, such as salary arrears and statutory contributions at their respective clubs or state associations, should not offer themselves for election in the upcoming FAM Congress on Sept 17 for the remaining 2025-2029 term.

“Do not burden an already troubled ship. Do not make things worse. This is not the platform to seek fame and glamour,” he said on Bernama TV’s Ruang Bicara programme tonight.

Raj added that introducing underperforming officials into the national body would only harm the organisation and its president.

“They will become a liability to the national association. Why? Because when you fail to function effectively at the state or club level and bring yourself to the national body, it only worsens conditions for the president. If I knew I had unresolved issues at my state or club and lacked the capacity to contribute, I would not contest.”

He explained that the upcoming election was critical as the elected leadership must possess the capability to steer national football out of “darkness”.

Raj emphasised that the ultimate decision rested with the delegates to ensure the FAM ship did not sink due to poor leadership choices.

Meanwhile, Malaysian Sports Writers Association (SAM) president Norismadi Abd Manap said the new leadership must establish clear priorities – whether focusing on national squad performance, governance, or grassroots development – as fans were demanding results.

“The narrative among Malaysian football fans is that they are no longer willing to wait. They want to see visible change immediately.”

Commenting on the presidential race between Ab Ghani Hassan and Shahril Mokhtar, Norismadi anticipated a tight contest given their contrasting strengths in administrative and corporate backgrounds.

He reminded delegates of their heavy responsibility, noting that their votes would define FAM’s image and trajectory following recent investigations by Fifa and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).

“The person holding the pen to vote must think far ahead to determine who truly deserves to lead the FAM ship out of its current situation.” - FMT