KUALA LUMPUR – The Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS) will only take an official position on the crisis engulfing the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) after receiving a comprehensive report and assessing all current developments.
Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari said the ministry was adopting a cautious approach and would evaluate all available information before issuing any formal statement.
“I need to wait for a detailed report before making any comments or stating KBS’s position. We will observe how the situation develops before I can comment further,” he told reporters.
He was speaking to the media after attending the Bantuan Wang Ihsan (BWI) presentation ceremony for Kota Setar at the Kedah State Youth and Sports Complex today.
It was previously reported that FAM’s Executive Committee may resign en masse as early as next week in what has been described as a strategic withdrawal aimed at safeguarding the future of Malaysian football.
According to sources close to the national governing body, the move is believed to be intended to prevent a full takeover by a normalisation committee appointed by world football’s governing body, FIFA.
In addition, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) was reported to have suggested that the FAM Executive Committee step down to avoid the risk of suspension, which would result in the association being placed under temporary administration by FIFA and the AFC.
On the matter, Taufiq stressed that KBS continuously monitors issues involving all sports associations in the country and is not focused solely on FAM.
However, he emphasised that the ministry would not interfere in processes that fall outside its jurisdiction, in line with the principle of separation of powers.
“This separation of powers is very important. That is why I need to review the reports and decisions first before issuing any further statements.
“We will not interfere in processes that are beyond the ministry’s authority,” he said.
Taufiq added that the development of football in the country must continue to be safeguarded, given the sport’s role as a unifying force for the nation.
“We will continue to ensure that football remains a platform for unity. It is a sport loved by the people, and its development must not be halted or disrupted,” he said.
He reiterated that KBS would continue to examine all issues related to sports, including football, responsibly while adhering strictly to its defined scope of authority.
The ministry, he said, remains ready to provide assistance and support in any area under its jurisdiction to ensure the continuity and progress of sports development in the country.
“Whatever happens, I hope that sports, especially football, will continue to progress, move forward, and remain a sport that is cherished and fully supported by Malaysians,” he added. – January 24, 2026