THE Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) is set to hold an extraordinary congress on June 30, where one of the key topics may be the appointment of a new honorary president.
This potential nomination of former president Datuk Hamidin Mohd Amin has garnered public interest.
While the official agenda for the congress has yet to be revealed, the emphasis on the honorary title has sparked discussions about its significance and whether it has any bearing on FAM’s governance.
As outlined in Article 19 of FAM’s 2020 Statutes, the honorary president is a non-executive, ceremonial role given to individuals who have made significant contributions to Malaysian football. The appointment process involves a proposal from the FAM executive committee, followed by a vote at the FAM congress.
The honorary president does not have voting rights, does not participate in decision-making, and is not involved in FAM’s administration. Nonetheless, this individual can attend congress meetings and engage in discussions.
Overall, the position is largely symbolic, recognising past contributions rather than serving as a leadership role.
Additionally, the honorary president may serve as an ambassador for FAM at international football events, forums, and congresses, including those organised by FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). This ambassadorial role emphasises the position’s representational and diplomatic functions rather than any executive power.
The honorary presidency is not a new concept in FAM’s history. In 2014, the late Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah was awarded the honorary presidency after his 30-year term as FAM president, which was seen as a sign of appreciation and did not involve a return to an administrative role.
Similarly, Hamidin’s potential appointment would follow this precedent.
Hamidin was FAM president from 2018 to February 2025, during which he achieved a significant milestone in Malaysian football by leading the national team to qualify for the 2023 AFC Asian Cup, ending a 42-year wait.
This success was accomplished under head coach Kim Pan-gon, whom Hamidin appointed to enhance the national team’s competitiveness.
According to Article 27(1) of the FAM Statutes, each affiliated member must send two delegates to the extraordinary congress, with only one delegate allowed to vote.
If the motion for honorary president is proposed, it will require a majority vote from the eligible delegates.
In conclusion, the honorary president position in FAM is primarily a ceremonial title rather than an active role. It does not come with any administrative authority, the ability to influence policies, or a place in executive meetings.
Rather, it serves to acknowledge those who have made substantial contributions to Malaysian football, while ensuring that the management of the sport remains under the control of its elected officials. – June 28, 2025
Sandru Narayanan is a Scoop reporter