Massive revamp as TMJ pulls into hot seat

# Former Sports Minister pulls out of the race for FAM presidency

# Massive revamp in FAM on the cards under TMJ

By Rizal Abdullah

Tan Sri Annuar Musa’s withdrawal from contesting the FA of Malaysia (FAM) presidency is not a surprise to the country’s football fraternity knowing that the former Sports Minister was fighting a losing battle.

And many are aware that Annuar simply threw in his candidacy for the FAM top post for “political mileage”. This he got although some for wrong reasons as he has not given up on his political career.

He is the current UMNO information chief. Often described as a “failed leader” the Kelantan politician was also recently removed as Mara chairman over sponsorship issues (Mara and UNiKL) of the Kelantan football team that competes in the Malaysian football league. 

Annuar never had a chance to beat his challenger Brigadier General Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, the Crown Prince of Johor, who has done wonders with Johor football after taking over the reins in 2013.

Johor Darul Takzim (JDT) – simply known as JDT or Southern Tigers – is brand name that is making waves in the football world, especially in this region. For the record JDT has won the Malaysian Super League title for three years running since 2014.

Last year the Southern Tigers clinched a double by adding the FA Cup to their collection.

JDT also became the first football team from Malaysia to win the AFC Cup. This was in 2015 when the Johor outfit beat FC Istiklol of Tajikistan 1-0 in the final in Dushanbe.

Can Tunku Ismail do the same wonders with Malaysian football at the international level? And the million dollar question is whether his desire to revamp the national set up achieve the desired results? 

Come this Saturday many would be serving their last days in the national body and Tunku Ismail has not minced his words that he wants a total revamp for Malaysian football to be in the forefront of the region.