Hamidin warms up to run for hotseat

PETALING JAYA: Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) secretary-general Datuk Hamidin Mohd Amin has announced his intention to contest for the FAM presidency in the 46th FAM Congress on July 14.

The hotseat is up for grabs after Tunku Mahkota Johor Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim stepped down on March 25, a year after helming the governing body.

Tunku Ismail’s resignation was unanimously accepted by the FAM exco members in the FAM Exco Extraordinary Meeting yesterday.

And in the next three-month transition period, the exco members have also unanimously appointed deputy president Datuk Wira Yusoff Mahadi as the acting president.

The exco members have also fully backed Hamidin to be the next president.

Hamidin was also recommended by Tunku Ismail personally to succeed him.

Hamidin said he is ready to take up the big responsibility after getting the nod from Tunku Ismail and his colleagues.

“After having a heart-to-heart talk with Tunku and considering everything from all aspects, I would like to confirm contesting for the president’s post in the upcoming FAM Congress in July,” said Hamidin, who submitted his candidacy documents to Yusoff after yesterday’s press conference.

“I’m deeply touched by the full support of my fellow exco members and other parties. Even the Youth and Sports Minister Khairy (Jamaluddin) has given me his blessings.

“According to seniority in the FAM, the two deputies Datuk Wira Yusoff and Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal are supposed to be next in line. But they (the excos) have backed me instead. I want to thank them for having faith in me.

“I believe I have what it takes for the challenge, having gained invaluable experience from serving under three different presidents in my five years as the secretary-general,” added the former Selangor secretary-general.

However, it remains to be seen if Hamidin will be challenged for the hotseat.

FAM statute states that any individual can run for the president’s post if they are nominated by the league affiliates.

Contenders have until May to submit their names to contest for the position. If there are no other nominations, Hamidin will win uncontested.

Although he’s ready to take on a challenger from outside, Hamidin stressed the importance of having a sole candidate to allow a smooth leadership transition.

“In my honest opinion, our football is at a low point and we need a smooth transition,” said Hamidin.

“The constitution does allow outsiders to contest for the presidency and if there are any, surely we won’t stop anyone from doing so.”