STUART TO APPLY HIS FIFA EXPERIENCE TO MALAYSIAN FOOTBALL
Stuart Ramalingam, whose appointment as FAM secretarygeneral is quite controversial, talks to NSTP’s Zulfaizan Mansor
Question: With your experience from Fifa, AFC and FAM (previous stint), what sort of transformation can you bring about?
Answer: I will prioritise grassroots development and professionalism in FAM. My experience with Fifa and AFC has given me the opportunity to know of all sorts of structures and football governance in other countries. These positive aspects can be applied to FAM.
Q: Will you be able to bring about a good working relationship between FAM’s new president and the exco?
A: It hasn’t even been two weeks since I took up the post of secretary-general but my relationship with the FAM president, Datuk Hamidin (Mohd Amin) is good.
The FAM exco are very motivated to work hard and do the best that they can for the country’s football. I have a very good, close relationship with all of FAM’s exco.
Q: The post of secretary-general is no ordinary position. FAM have been heavily criticised. So are you ready to face criticisms? A: Yes, I am ready. Such a matter is one of the challenges that I have prepared for mentally even before I took up the post.
Football is a popular sport that is loved by almost all Malaysians, so criticism is to be expected.
I am also a football fan and I can understand where the criticism is coming from, so I will try to ensure the very best for Malaysian football.
Q: Datuk Hamidin has explained that your appointment was based on the vast experience that you have. However there are those who claim that your appointment was because of the influence of your older brother Kevin (Ramalingam, the FMLLP chief ). What is your view on this?
A: Perhaps this is one question best answered by Datuk Hamidin himself, the person who appointed me. But I feel that my CV is proof enough.
I have been involved in football both locally and internationally and when Datuk Hamidin gave me the opportunity to serve Malaysian football, I thought it was an offer that was too good to refuse even though I realised that there would be many questions about me.
Football is a popular sport that is loved by almost all Malaysians, so criticism is to be expected. I am also a football fan and I can understand where the criticism is coming from, so I will try to ensure the very best for Malaysian football.
Q: Are you ready to contribute or come up with new ideas to improve the M-League?
A: If asked, of course I will definitely contribute ideas or constructive feedback. But my main focus is FAM and not the M-League.
I want to concentrate on governance and administration within FAM, the development of Malaysian football, futsal, refereeing, and the performance of our beloved national team which will most definitely be a priority for me.
Q: As one of the most important individuals in FAM, what do you think should be the direction of the National Football Development Programme (NFDP)? Does it still need improvement in management and administration? A: Yes, we need to relook the overall management and administration of NFDP.
It is one programme that is very good but it is clear that we in FAM feel that it can be strengthened with a deeper involvement from FAM.
Q: With regard to the
Wisma FAM’s futsal court issue, is it already being utilised for national or regional futsal tournaments?
A: First of all, the FAM
Futsal Arena project was a Fifa project funded by the world governing body and my involvement was through the company that was listed on Fifa’s website only as a consultant to Fifa for the said project.
On its use, according to what is on Fifa’s website is perhaps general information only and this has brought about misinterpretation because the project only involved the basic construction of a full sized futsal court, changing rooms and guest welcoming area.
With Wisma FAM situated within a housing area, it is not feasible for any futsal tournament, be it national or regional to be hosted at the FAM Futsal Arena. However, it has already been used by the national futsal squad for training since last year’s Kuala Lumpur Sea Games.