KUALA LUMPUR: FA of Malaysia (FAM) president Datuk Hamidin Amin said he is not hurt by former FAM deputy president Khairy Jamaluddin's comments.
Last week, Khairy suggested that the national body should undergo a transition in leadership to allow it to further progress in the next decade.
Hamidin said he was open to being challenged for the FAM leadership.
"That is his (Khairy) view. Anybody can contest, no problem," said Hamidin today.
"I am open to it. I think FAM is also open to it. I have no issues if anybody wants to compete for any position according to the rules.
"Whatever we do, we must follow the constitution."
Khairy denied interest in contesting for the FAM presidency, instead suggesting that it should go to someone with a corporate background.
FAM are scheduled to hold their elections next year.
Hamidin said he was open to constructive criticism, which was part and parcel of the job.
"No, I am not," Hamidin said when asked whether he was hurt by Khairy's comments.
"I am very open minded. I accept criticism from netizens and critics, who have criticised me due to the poison pen letter and the national Under-23 squad.
"Whatever is good, I take it (and try to improve).
"If you want the position (FAM president), you have to accept it (criticism).
"What is important is that you do not do any wrong and you do it for football and for the country."
The national Under-23 squad had a dismal outing at the Under-23 Asian Cup in Doha recently, finishing as the lowest ranked team in Group D after losing all their matches.
A poison pen letter, which went viral early this month, accused FAM of wrongdoings, the national body refuted.
Hamidin was speaking after attending the Olympic Council of Malaysia executive council meeting in Kuala Lumpur today.