Bungled Pc Leaves Fam Red Faced The Absolvement Of Blame Lawyered Up And Search For Elusive Culprit

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ONLY in Malaysia can one issue a statement claiming all submitted documentation fulfilled the requirements; issue a second statement admitting that a mistake had been made; and subsequently holding a media conference (again) to acknowledge that mistake but appealing to be absolved of any guilt.

A case of terpaling champion (champion for the wrong cause) indeed! The chronology of events is drama at its very best. And the arrogance was mind boggling – there was no attempt to clarify but to deflect.



The media conference held by national body Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) on Friday (Oct 17) was disastrous and a complete train wreck. Below is my observation as a concerned citizen:

#1. They did not answer most of the questions asked by the journalists.
#2. The panel was made to look like fools when they were blindsided by some questions.
#3. They did not come to answer questions but just to read a statement. They were not prepared for anything beyond this.

#4. Neither the FAM nor the players are willing to be responsible for the alleged forged documents which now leaves everyone chasing a ghost. Even the national team administration said it is not to be blamed.
Neither did they insinuate that the National Registration Department (NRD) was to be blamed.
Yet when asked about who proposed the seven so-called heritage (naturalised) players in the very beginning, it was mentioned that this originated from an agent or intermediary whom everyone on the panel chose not to reveal.
#5. Even the national team administration is oblivious to how the seven heritage/naturalised players were chosen. As far as they are concerned, their role begins when the players were cleared by the Malaysian authorities and FIFA.
They supposedly have a pool of players to choose from yet forgetting the fact that without any assurance of being employed, these foreign players would not be lining up for Malaysian citizenship in the first place.

#6. They suspended the FAM secretary-general Datuk Noor Azman Rahman on the pretext of avoiding any interference when the independent committee conducts its investigation.
In doing so, they appear to forget that FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association) only recognises the President (which FAM does not currently have) and the secretary-general in all member associations therefore leaving FAM severely handicapped.

Conclusion: Simply by weatching the entire media conference, listen to the answers and see the candid expressions, national sports fans will be frightened that these are the people we entrust hundreds of millions of ringgit with for decades yet we still have to rely on foreigners in our national football team. 
Harris Iskandar Taib is a former journalist and now PR practitioner with a combined 35 years of experience.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of  MMKtT.
- Focus Malaysia.

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