'FAM job too demanding given my current commitments' - KJ

KUALA LUMPUR - Former youth and sports minister Khairy Jamaluddin has dismissed the notion that he would be the right choice to succeed Datuk Hamidin Amin as president of the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM), citing lack of time and the demanding nature of the role.

Despite his previous experience as FAM's deputy president, Khairy expressed his reservations about stepping back into the football federation, especially given the hands-on involvement required of the president.

"The position of FAM president requires a high level of engagement and daily oversight, responsibilities I'm not sure I can commit to considering my current obligations," he told reporters at an event leading up to the Battle of the Reds, a friendly match featuring former stars of Liverpool and Manchester United.

Khairy who serves on the board of directors for the Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) football club also backed for a fresh leadership at FAM to drive long-term development of the sport, suggesting that the next generation of leaders could enhance the organisation's management and governance over the coming decade.

"While the current leadership has performed commendably, it's time for new leadership, possibly from the corporate sector, who are versed in rigorous management and transparency," he added.

The call for new leadership comes in the wake of allegations against FAM involving fraud, power abuse, financial mismanagement and lack of transparency, detailed in a controversial poison-pen letter last month.

Hamidin has refuted these accusations, claiming that they were defamatory and considering legal action.