In tough times, Malaysia can do with a hand from a Friend

You’ve got troubles, I’ve got ‘em too

There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for you

We stick together, we can see it through

‘Cause you’ve got a friend in me

THOSE lyrics, from Randy Newman’s iconic “You’ve Got a Friend in Me”, comes to mind as a revolution begins in Kelana Jaya, home of the Harimau Malaya.

The old guard has been dismantled with Australian Peter Cklamovski coming in as the new national team head coach and Nafuzi Zain as the leader of the Under-23 side.

Now, former Canadian international Rob Friend has been made the first-ever chief executive officer (CEO) of the national team, signalling a bold new chapter for Malaysian football.

This appointment is historic. The national team were traditionally run by the national team committee, chaired by the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) president.

But now, Johor Regent and Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) supremo Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim has taken the reins, sharing regular updates on social media and injecting fresh energy into the set-up.

The buzz is palpable. Many believe Tunku Ismail’s leadership could bring a transformation although detractors point to his earlier stint as FAM president in 2017-2018.

Back then, he made structural improvements and boosted the organisation’s finances but came under fire for hiring Portuguese coach Nelo Vingada, whose achievements were far from stellar.

This time, Tunku Ismail appears better equipped, especially after a decade of success with JDT. Under his stewardship since 2013, the club have claimed 10 consecutive Super League titles, firmly establishing themselves as Malaysia’s football powerhouse.

But there are lingering questions. Where are the FAM on all this? Why are they so quiet? The national team have always been under their jurisdiction, so, is this a temporary arrangement or a permanent realignment of the structure?

Will Tunku Ismail hold an official position in FAM, or will he simply remain the power behind the curtain?

And what of Friend? Who does he report to? His responsibilities are immense — both immediate and long-term.

In the short term, he must work with Cklamovski to prepare for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers, ensuring Harimau Malaya continue their journey and qualify for the Asian Cup. This involves planning friendlies, organising training camps, managing travel logistics, and overseeing government allocations, while staying accountable to taxpayers.

For the long haul, Friend must build a sustainable high-performance environment, work with sports scientist Dr Craig Duncan, scout heritage players overseas, and forge partnerships with the Malaysian Football League (MFL) while tapping into his global network for the good of the team.

Transparency and accountability remain paramount.

Every ringgit spent must be justified, especially when questions are being asked about the RM15mil allocated to football, a sport still struggling to match the international successes of sports like badminton, cycling, and bowling.

We need a national team that put the country above all else. The embarrassing AFF Cup episode, where players withdrew to play for their clubs, cannot be repeated.

Additionally, a robust football pyramid, grassroots development programmes, and a thriving league system are essential to ensure long-term stability and progress.

Tunku Ismail and his team probably have ambitious plans but the road ahead is far from straight and narrow.

We are a small nation with outsized dreams, and while this revolution is exciting, sustaining the momentum will require unwavering dedication. Malaysian fans are a demanding lot.

To those tasked with leading this charge: good luck.

If this revolution succeeds, the fans will be singing “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” at the National Stadium.

If not, the team will have lots of trouble.