‘DON’T BE TOO HARD ON YOURSELF, TMJ’

Ridzuan says Tunku Ismail is good for Malaysian football

FAM president Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim should not look at the national team’s drop in Fifa world ranking (Malaysia’s worst ever) as a failure that makes him “want” to step down from his post.

This was stated by former FAM vice president Datuk Seri Ridzuan Sheikh Ahmad, who hopes that Tunku Ismail will not be too hard on himself, and avoid taking the drastic move based on just one aspect.

Ridzuan said it is not fair for football fans to pass judgement on Tunku Ismail’s work because he has only been in office as FAM president for almost a year (March 25 marks a year of Tunku Ismail as FAM president).

“Tunku Ismail should remain as FAM president because he has worked very, very hard, specifically in fulfilling the promises he has made,” said Ridzuan yesterday.

“The national team’s drop in Fifa ranking is not a failure as even from before, the Harimau Malaya’s ranking has been on the decline.

“There are many positives that can clearly be seen after he became FAM president.

“It is very difficult to improve the national team’s ranking in such a short time. And because of this Tunku Ismail must remain as FAM president because changes for the better can only be seen, felt and appreciated in the long run, not near future.

“Tunku Ismail must be allowed to bring and institute positive changes for the better which is already happening now.

“And hopefully after five years or so, then he can assess and evaluate for himself if he is satisfied or not with the changes and development.

“Tunku Ismail has planted the seeds for the betterment of Malaysian football and they are only just beginning to grow. He should keep on ploughing so that all of us can reap the rewards and benefits in time to come.”

Last Thursday, Tunku Ismail hinted via a posting on the Johor Southern Tigers Facebook page that he is to step down following Malaysia’s drop in ranking from World No 175 to 178.