PETALING JAYA: The Malaysia Malay Football Association (PBMM) have proposed the establishment of an independent monitoring panel made up of neutral representatives from Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) affiliates, excluding all members of the executive committee (exco) who resigned en masse last week.
In a formal letter sent to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) secretary-general Datuk Seri Windsor Paul and circulated to all FAM affiliates, PBMM secretary-general Nazeri Hussain said the panel must comprise individuals who were not part of the FAM executive committee who collectively stepped down on Jan 28.
This is to ensure neutrality and avoid any conflict of interest during FAM’s three-month reform period.
PBMM suggested that the panel be drawn from senior figures within the affiliates, such as association presidents, secretaries-general or honorary secretaries, who are not linked to the outgoing executive committee.
“The panel’s role would be limited to monitoring governance and administrative processes without exercising any policy-making authority,” said Nazeri.
“It would also assist the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), particularly in overseeing administrative functions involving the secretary-general and honorary treasurer.”
The proposal follows the collective resignation of all FAM executive committee members for the 2025–2029 term, which was announced by acting FAM president Datuk Yusoff Mahadi at a press conference on Jan 28.
PBMM described the mass resignation as a selfless act that prioritised the future of Malaysian football over individual positions, and recorded their appreciation for the 11 months of service rendered by the outgoing committee.
PBMM also welcomed the AFC-led administrative review and reform process, which will be conducted over three months, expressing hope that FAM will emerge stronger and more credible following the exercise.
In a further proposal, PBMM suggested that individuals who resigned collectively should not be allowed to contest in the upcoming FAM elections.
While acknowledging that such a proposal may conflict with democratic principles and is not currently provided for under the FAM statutes, PBMM said it was submitted in the interest of the “greater good”.
“This is to ensure the reform process is perceived as genuine, transparent and free from any conflict of interest,” the association said.
