KUALA LUMPUR – Nobody should interfere or dictate whether those who resigned from the executive committee should be allowed to stand in the upcoming Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) elections, former FAM deputy president Datuk Dollah Salleh has said.
The issue of FAM’s leadership resurfaced after all members of the executive committee resigned on January 28, sparking debates about whether “old faces” should be barred from contesting in the next electoral congress.
Some parties have suggested opening the field to new candidates to restore the association’s image.
Speaking to Scoop, Dollah emphasised that only FAM’s member associations have the right to decide who is eligible to contest.
He stressed that any decision rests entirely with the members, including whether they wish to give a mandate to former office-bearers to help revive Malaysian football.
“This is determined by the member associations, not outsiders. If outsiders want to interfere, that is not their concern. If someone feels they are qualified, they are free to contest, but it is all subject to the member associations. Please do not disrupt the established process,” he said.
Dollah added that his involvement with FAM is driven by a commitment to Malaysian football rather than a personal ambition for office. He expressed disappointment at certain quarters that have sought to undermine the previous leadership team.
“We are willing to sacrifice our time and effort. If necessary, we could remain in FAM until 2029, but we choose to sit down, discuss and contribute for the sake of FAM. These positions are not easy to obtain, so we approach our responsibilities seriously,” he said.
He further lamented what he described as jealousy from some quarters, despite the leadership’s dedication. “Even if given the opportunity to contest again, there is no guarantee of victory, because it is the member associations who decide, not us,” he added.
Earlier, some parties proposed that FAM implement reforms ahead of the upcoming elections, including barring former leaders from contesting and providing opportunities for new faces to take the helm. – February 5, 2026