No worries: FAM president Datuk Hamidin Mohd Amin speaking to reporters after the Annual Congress yesterday. — Bernama
PETALING JAYA: The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) president Datuk Hamidin Mohd Amin remains unshaken despite a poison-pen letter that has been in circulation alleging wrongdoings within the association.
Hamidin said the letter, signed by UltrasFAM and sent via email to all stakeholders, including the Youth and Sports Minister, is nothing more than an attempt to tarnish the association’s reputation.
“I am very sad that the letter was sent out, but we need to be strong during this time, said Hamidin after the FAM’s 60th Annual Congress meeting yesterday.
“We are not being defensive on this matter, but it is a personal attack towards the top leadership of FAM and is mere slander and accusation.”
Hamidin said FAM would lodge a police report on the matter and will seek assistance from the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to track down the source of the email.
FAM would also conduct an internal investigation.
“If letters like these are being sent out all the time, it can get quite tiring. We have agreed to look into this matter and find the source of the email,” he said.
“Any staff member that is found to be involved in this will have action taken against them.”
Regarding allegations that there is misappropriation of finances within the association, Hamidin clarified that all financial matters in FAM were done according to the standards operating procedures (SOP) that have been set.
“All matters involving finance are in accordance with the FAM statute and SOPs that have been set. It needs to go through the respective committees, then be brought to the FAM Finance and Management committee, before being brought to the FAM executive committee for approval.
He said a report on this matter would be sent to the FAM integrity committee, an independent body chaired by Tan Sri Aseh Che Mat.
“Representatives from the police and Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) are also members of this committee,” he said.
Hamidin also quashed rumours that Harimau Malaya head coach Kim Pan-gon was leaving after the team’s back-to-back 0-2 defeat to Oman in the World Cup 2026-Asian Cup 2027 second-round qualifiers.
“There are those who want to start a distasteful situation after the loss to Oman and claimed that Pan-gon had resigned. I immediately called Pan-gon and he denied the news that he was leaving,” said Hamidin.
“If this is what people try to do and stir things up, then it is hard for us to make it to the World Cup.”
At the same time, FAM secretary-general Datuk Noor Azman Rahman, who was accused of abuse of power, did not wish to say much regarding the poison-pen letter but instead chose the high road when dealing with the tarnishing accusations.
“I won’t comment on this matter. But all I want to say is that I forgive those who issued the letter,” he said.
