Datuk Ong Kim Swee: ‘We must have a plan – a Plan A and a Plan B. Every country in the world does the same.’
PETALING JAYA: Former national coach Datuk Ong Kim Swee believes Malaysia’s real strength lies in its grassroots – and that it’s time the nation starts treating them seriously following FIFA’s sanctions over alleged document forgery involving naturalised players.
Now steering Indonesian club Persik Kediri, the former Harimau Muda manager knows better than most the importance of building from the bottom up.
For him, the current controversy is more than just a legal issue – it’s a wake-up call that no footballing nation can thrive without a strong development foundation.
“Let’s not rock the boat when the appeal process is still ongoing,” said Kim Swee.
“I felt very sad with the situation – it happened so suddenly. Even before this issue arose, the Indonesians had already been asking about our players.”
He urged calm and perspective, stressing the need for patience and planning instead of blame.
“After what has happened, this is not the time to point fingers. We must have a plan – a Plan A and a Plan B. Every country in the world does the same,” he said.
Plan A, according to Kim Swee, is simple – hope for a successful appeal so the current set-up remain intact.
But Plan B demands something deeper: a renewed focus on developing local talent capable of competing at the highest level.
“We need to ask ourselves – can we accept playing without these players? Can we still believe we’re competitive?” he asked.
Meanwhile, two football icons – Datuk Dollah Salleh and Hairuddin Omar have called for calm, optimism, and unity while the FAM await the outcome of their appeal.
Both former internationals expressed confidence that FAM would receive a positive verdict from FIFA in the coming days after the governing body’s Disciplinary Committee recently imposed heavy fines and suspensions over alleged document forgery involving seven mixed-heritage players.
“Everyone needs to stay calm. We’ve already discussed the matter, and I believe that within these 10 days, there will be a solution,” said Dollah, who is now FAM’s vice-president.
“I’m optimistic that a positive decision awaits FAM.”
