KUALA LUMPUR: The top candidate for the FA of Malaysia (FAM) presidency, Datuk Hamidin Mohd Amin, will need to prepare for the transition of power from being a receiver of instructions to instructions provider.
According to Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) sports science senior lecturer, Dr. Zulakbal Abd Karim, in principle, Hamidin who all this while has been described as someone who works tirelessly ‘behind-the-scenes’, is more than qualified to be the country’s football governing body’s No 1, though there are stark differences that exist between him and the previous president.
Zulakbal who is also an elite lecturer with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), said: “Hamidin’s ‘weakness’ at present is a lack of experience as a successful leader of an organisation, as based on his prior experiences he was more involved and hands on with administrative matters.
“It is unfair for us to say that Hamidin may not be qualified because he has vast experience as an administrator, apart from forging good relations and being well known among sporting associations in the country.
“This proves his pedigree and potential to be president is already there. It’s just that the challenge after this is how will he fare as someone who gives instructions and puts it in practice with all the stakeholders and staff.
“This involves how far he is able to go in ensuring that stakeholders can follow his planning and execution as demonstrated by the outgoing president,” said Dr. Zulakbal when contact earlier today (Wednesday).
At the same time, Dr. Zulakbal stressed that there are many other elements that are needed to lead and manage the country’s football governing body which is responsible for the No 1 sport in the country.
“The president is not just a leader who needs to understand the game of football but needs to be more than that, as among the vital elements required are the ability to command respect and be influential at the same time.
“Whatever it is, if the candidate himself is recommended by Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, we can decipher that Tunku Ismail vouches for Hamidin’s credibility,” said Dr. Zulakbal.
After officially stepping down from his duties as FAM president on Sunday, Tunku Ismail made a surprise announcement by nominating Hamidin as the most qualified and ideal candidate to replace him.
However, the decision on whether Tunku Ismail’s resignation is accepted or not, will be decided at a specially convened meeting this coming Monday.
At the same time, even though Tunku Ismail has given his blessing and backing for Hamidin, the decision on whether the latter is chosen to fill the hot seat or not will be decided by vote.Science, Dr. Zulakbal, Challenge, National Football, Football Governing Body, Dr. Zulakbal Abd Karim.