HAMIDIN PAVES WAY FOR NEW LEADERSHIP TO PROPEL FAM TO HIGHER LEVEL

PETALING JAYA, Dec 4 (Bernama) -- Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) president Tan Sri Hamidin Mohd Amin decided not to defend his post in next year's FAM Congress to give another person the opportunity to take charge and take the governing body to a higher level.

He said that having led the FAM for six years since July 2018 is more than enough.

"I will not defend the post of FAM president for the coming term (2025-2029) as I want to let the affiliates choose a new president.

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"I've held the post for six and a half years, I think that's enough… let's give space for another individual to lead this association and take it to a higher level,” he told a press conference at the 13th FAM Executive Committee meeting at Wisma FAM in Kelana Jaya here today.

Hamidin, also a FIFA Council member, said the decision not to defend his post was made after discussions with his family members and not due to the pressure from football fans.

He said the early announcement was to allow FAM affiliates sufficient time to assess (the candidates) before electing the new president.

"I could have made a late announcement but I have to be fair to FAM because what is important is FAM, its structure and missions must be clear, and I must be gracious and make an early announcement so that the (election) process is done in a smooth, transparent and open manner,” he said.

Hamidin, who also serves on the Executive Committee of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), admitted that he has a candidate in mind but prefers not to name the person.

He stressed the need for continuity in the new leadership to ensure the efforts carried out by FAM and the results achieved could be further enhanced.

"Qualified for the Asia Cup after more than 40 years, (national team's) ranking from 178th (position) is now up to 132, women's football starting to grow, entering the third year of handling the (coaching) pro licence and also infrastructure like the new National Training Centre and Wisma FAM.

"So, all these will be memories and history, what is important is the continuity that this new leader brings to FAM… I am not important, what is important is that FAM moves on and follows the statute to further elevate the association,” he said, adding that he will always be available to assist FAM if required.

Hamidin had earlier today announced that he would not defend his post in the FAM Congress for the 2025-2029 term that is scheduled to be held on Feb 15, 2025.

He was elected FAM president in July 2018, replacing Johor Regent Tunku Mahkota Ismail.

Hamidin then retained the post unopposed for the 2021-2025 term at the 57th FAM Congress.

-- BERNAMA