Clearing the air: Malaysian football team coach Peter Cklamovski (centre) with midfielder Nooa Laine (left) and defender Harith Haiqal during a press conference in Johor Baru yesterday. — Bernama
PETALING JAYA: Harimau Malaya coach Peter Cklamovski has responded passionately to recent criticism directed at him and the national team set-up, calling for unity and understanding as Malaysia work to rebuild their footballing identity.
The Australian was reacting to comments by local football legend Datuk Santokh Singh, who recently raised concerns over the direction of the team and the increasing presence of foreign influence within the coaching set-up. Santokh’s remarks have sparked debates among fans and stakeholders.
Cklamovski has described the comments as agenda-driven, ill-informed and false, expressing his dismay at what he sees as an unhelpful and divisive narrative.
“Every time a national team come together, it should unite the country,” said Cklamovski in a press conference at the Double Tree Hilton Hotel in Johor yesterday.
“But right now, there’s a bit of a divide, and I don’t know why. It seems strange because every day, we work hard to make Malaysians proud. We want to play football that gets people excited, football that represents the nation.”
Cklamovski, who took the reins early this year, stressed that his commitment to Malaysian football goes beyond the national team, highlighting the groundwork he and his staff have laid since their arrival.
“When I started the job, I looked at every aspect — from grassroots to the federation, from training sessions to youth development.
‘‘It’s clear that Malaysian football needs help, and we’re here to offer solutions. But this progress takes time. It can’t be done in one day or one camp.”
He also reiterated that the national team project has the backing of Johor Crown Prince Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, who has played a crucial role in elevating standards through top-class facilities and professional structures.
“Tunku Ismail is fully behind this project, and we’re grateful for that. Without his passion and investment, I wonder where we’d be. Thankfully, we now have professional environments to work in.”
Cklamovski acknowledged that criticism comes with the job, but believes the focus should be on building, not tearing down, the team.
“Any negativity, I accept it, that’s part of my role. But what I don’t understand is why some choose to tear down the national project. The criticism is not just against me, it’s against the team, and progress. Why do our people try to bring us down?”
Addressing claims that local coaches have been sidelined, Cklamovski said: “That statement is wrong. We have Malaysian coaches right next to me like Nafuzi (Zain), Hai-O (Hairuddin Omar) and Aidil (Zafuan Abdul Razak). We’ve been guiding other local coaches through pro-level licence courses. The facts are there for everyone to see.”
Cklamovski and co are in Johor Baru for an eight-day training camp ahead of Malaysia’s pivotal third-round Group F 2027 Asian Cup qualifier against Vietnam at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on June 10.
