Analyst Says Rci Could Restore Public Trust After Fam Naturalisation Scandal

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A Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) into the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) could play a key role in restoring public trust in Malaysian football following a high-profile naturalisation scandal. NSTP FILE PICKUALA LUMPUR: A Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) into the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) could play a key role in restoring public trust in Malaysian football following a high-profile naturalisation scandal.
Sports analyst Datuk Dr Pekan Ramli said such a high-level independent commission, appointed by the government, would be able to investigate matters of public interest without concerns over undue influence.
He added that it could provide clear findings on which parties were right or wrong in the recent naturalisation case.
"At the very least, through the commission, its findings can provide concrete answers on which party was right and which was wrong.
"This means it is no longer considered government interference, or interference that FIFA does not allow. So, it's clear — permission has been granted," he told the New Straits Times.
Pekan said that while FAM had previously set up its own internal commission following earlier disciplinary action, the move was widely seen as insufficiently independent because the association itself appointed the members.
"Now, with the appeal rejected and the seriousness of FIFA's motivated decision, establishing an independent inquiry is timely and appropriate.
"It demonstrates proactive action and ensures transparency, which FIFA will also recognise," he said.
He added that the process would not only help clarify the situation but also reinforce transparency in the eyes of FIFA.
"With this, it is indeed a step that supports FIFA's instructions at the right time, and we hope this investigation will be the highest-level process in the country — respected and truly independent."
He also said that the credibility of the inquiry would be assured by its members, who are typically highly experienced in legal, administrative, and governance matters.
"But the most important thing here is transparency. We hope and trust that this will be the most transparent in terms of accounts, reporting, and the final findings."
Meanwhile, sports lawyer Nik Erman Nik Roseli said it is important to be clear about the scope and purpose of any independent investigation before it is established.
He said that there is no need for such a commission if the focus is solely on FAM's conduct, as there is already a commission headed by Tun Md Raus Sharif.
"It should also be clear that issues relating to the conduct of officials in FAM are a separate matter from the granting of citizenship to the seven players.
"There is a clear legal and jurisdictional difference between the two matters — one is a sporting governance issue; the other is the granting of citizenship.
"If the purpose of the investigation is to examine how the seven players managed to obtain 'fast track' citizenship, then I would tend to agree with its formation," he said.
Nik Erman added that an independent inquiry is unnecessary if the focus is purely on FAM's governance, as this authority already lies with the Sports Commissioner.
"There is also the matter of potential criminal action — forgery of documents. This is a police matter. There is no need for an additional inquiry. The police can and should already have begun investigations.
"But I personally would like more transparency in the granting of citizenship — why the seven players were fast-tracked while some applicants wait over 40 years."
Previously, government backbencher Hassan Karim in the Dewan Rakyat made a call for an immediate investigation into the scandal.
He said the scandal, involving alleged forged documents and unusually swift citizenship approvals, had tarnished the reputation of the Home Ministry, its agencies, and the country.
FIFA's Appeals Committee, on Nov 3, upheld sanctions against FAM and ordered a formal investigation into its internal processes. - NST

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