KUALA LUMPUR: FA of Malaysia (FAM) president Datuk Hamidin Amin considers only The Regent of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Ismail as the most suitable candidate to take his place in the hot seat.
Hamidin put forward Tunku Mahkota Ismail's name after being asked who would be the most suitable individual to lead the national football body if he were to step down from his position.
This follows calls from several parties urging Hamidin to resign as president, particularly after the circulation of a damaging letter painting a negative picture of him and the national body.
Hamidin explained that Tunku Mahkota Ismail, who is also the owner of Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT), possesses the necessary abilities to elevate the country's football.
"The person to be chosen (as FAM president) must have a high level of knowledge in football, have good relations (with the football community both domestically and internationally), have the desire and high commitment.
"So, the most suitable person to replace me is Tunku Mahkota Ismail, if we want our football to progress.
"Tunku Mahkota Ismail has these characteristics, there's no need to talk about records, His Highness has the ability.
"However, fans need to set aside the sense of monarchy if we want our football to advance. Managing FAM is not easy, it involves managing VAR (video assistant referee), affiliate members, the national team, senior and youth squads, futsal, women's football, fans, and even stadium management," said Hamidin during an interview with BH Sports at Wisma FAM, Kelana Jaya today.
Hamidin took over as FAM president from Tunku Mahkota Ismail in 2018.
Hamidin then retained the position for the term 2021-2025, winning uncontested at the 57th Congress in March 2021.
Addressing the pressure for him to resign, Hamidin indicated that he would not succumb to such demands, instead explaining that he is ready to be challenged at the FAM congress next year.
"I am open, meaning I have been given the mandate until next year. Anyone who wants to contest can do so next year, when the time comes. I know what I am doing.
"Sometimes in football, when we win, they praise the coach and players, but when we lose, they say to get rid of the president, that's sentiment. We understand it comes from netizens, but some (pressure) we cannot follow.
"I follow the rules, regarding the allegations (in the letter), we can question whether the allegations are true or not. That's the question that needs to be answered, we need to be rational about this matter," he said.