Azmin says 'on same page' with Raja Muda on Selangor football revamp
THE STAR
PETALING JAYA: Football Association of Selangor (FAS) president Datuk Seri Azmin Ali (pic) “wholeheartedly” welcomes Raja Muda of Selangor Tengku Amir Shah Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah’s call for a revamp of the association.
Azmin, who is also Selangor Mentri Besar, said on Saturday that Tengku Amir’s call was “most timely” and appropriate in view of the increasing negative publicity received by the Red Giants and concerns from its fans.
Tengku Amir on Friday called for a revamp of FAS involving a thorough look at the entire structure of the organisation.
Azmin said he "is on the same page as Tengku Amir" on the issue, that football was not about politics but instead is about “sports, team building and striving to succeed for the fans, for the state and even for the nation”.
"Indeed, as expressed most succinctly by DYTM Raja Muda Selangor, excessive politics, old-fashioned way of doing things, over dependency on subsidy mentality needs to be removed.
"As has been reported widely prior to this, I have, in my capacity as President of the FAS, made it clear to the Deputy President and the Executive Committee that the association must be professionally run by those who are not just competent but totally committed to the mission of seeing Selangor succeed for the long term.
"Indeed, just to reiterate the point, what is at stake is also the track record and the illustrious history of the Red Giants that must not be sacrificed because of the selfish actions of a few irresponsible people," Azmin said.
On the question of state funding, Azmin said "it cannot be overstressed the importance of productivity and the input on the part of the management which must be commensurate with the financial support provided by the GLCs."
"In this regard, the proposal for a comprehensive sports marketing approach to enable the organization to earn a sustainable income for the future is not just fitting but highly practicable.
"I take full cognizance of the suggestion that I, as the FAS President, should introduce 'a new line-up that is independent of politics, based on merit, fresh, full of energy and capable of achieving results.' "
"I thank DYTM Raja Muda Selangor for the suggestions and advice and assure the people of Selangor particularly all our loyal fans that I will take every action necessary to ensure that the glory of Selangor football will be safeguarded and taken to even greater heights of success.
"We are totally with the rakyat and our loyal fans and we pledge to bring Selangor football to the glory days of Dato’ Mokhtar Dahari and Dato’ Soh Chin Aun and will spare no effort in enhancing the calibre of our football and our players to international standards."
