PETALING JAYA – “Don’t punish Harimau Malaya for your hatred towards me,” said Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) president Tan Sri Hamidin Mohd Amin.
He was responding to a social media campaign urging fans to boycott the national team’s matches at Bukit Jalil National Stadium during this year’s AFF Championship.
The campaign reflects fans’ frustrations over what they perceive as mismanagement of the national team under Hamidin’s leadership.
Speaking to Scoop, Hamidin acknowledged the criticism levelled against him but stressed that punishing the players, who he said are giving their all, is unfair.
“I’m not perfect and I have my flaws, but I’m always open to criticism. Those who know me and my character understand that I don’t shy away from it,” Hamidin said when met.
“I’ve faced criticism and hatred since I took office in 2018, succeeding the Johor Regent, Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim. I’m used to it, but it’s not fair to punish our national team for grievances with me.”
Hamidin stressed that the players give 100% every time they wear the iconic black and yellow jersey and urged fans to support their efforts.
“The players take immense pride in their job. Fans should appreciate their hard work and rally behind them as they fight for the nation.”
Hamidin, who will not seek re-election at the upcoming FAM Congress, hopes the mindset towards the national team will change.
“Let’s work together for the betterment of Malaysian football. I urge all Harimau Malaya fans to come forward and support the team in their AFF campaign. They truly need your voices in the stadium,” he added.
Under head coach Pau Marti Vicente, Harimau Malaya has been drawn into Group A of the 15th edition of the AFF Championship, alongside defending champions Thailand, Singapore, Cambodia, and Timor Leste.
The tournament will take place from December 8 to January 5 across various host nations.
Group B features Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines, Myanmar, and Laos.
Malaysia’s matches at the National Stadium include games against Timor Leste on December 11 and Singapore on December 20.
However, ticket sales have been slow, with only 200 to 300 tickets sold since sales began on November 25.
Malaysia last won the AFF Cup in 2010 under then-head coach Datuk K. Rajagopal. — December 4, 2024