Sad over TMJ quitting as FAM president

I WAS born in Batu Gajah, Perak and I am living in Ipoh now. After training to be a hospital dispenser, I was posted to Johor and represented the state hockey team from 1969 to 1976. I was captain of the state team from 1972 till 1976. Even though I am a Perakian, I am proud to have served in Johor for some time.

I read with a heavy heart the news of Tunku Mahkota Johor Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim’s decision to quit as Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) president. It would be a great loss for FAM and the country if Tunku Ismail leaves FAM. It is really an honour for us to have him lead the association and his straightforward approach and dynamic leadership are very important for the association.

If all the relevant authorities in FAM do their job with dedication, I am sure Tunku Ismail would not have come to this decision. Maybe the states are not following his instructions.

I am very sure the states would lose out financially with Tunku Ismail’s resignation. The state associations were getting fat allocations under his leadership.

The decline in the standard of football in our country is not the fault of the FAM president but the downlines who may not be following the programme set by the association. But whatever the reason, it would not be a good idea if Tunku Ismail leaves.

As a former resident of Johor and a sport-loving citizen of this country, I sincerely hope he will reconsider and stay on.

Majulah sukan untuk negara. MANIAM VALIATHAM Ipoh