Kuala lumpur: Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) honorary president Tan Sri Hamidin Mohd Amin has described the reforms proposed by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) through amendments to the FAM statutes as the best opportunity for the national governing body to strengthen and modernise its governance structure. He emphasized that these reforms should not be viewed as an indication of FAM's failure to adhere to its previous statutes, as the organization has consistently operated in accordance with them while making necessary improvements over time.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Hamidin clarified the situation during a media conference after the FAM Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM). He stated that the ongoing developments are aligned with the statutes and dismissed any notion that FAM had not been compliant. He explained that some elements of the current statutes may no longer align with recent developments, which necessitates the proposed amendments.

Hamidin elaborated that the timing of the statutory amendments is ideal for FAM to implement comprehensive changes towards a more modern and effective governance model. He expressed confidence that this reform presents the best opportunity for FAM to transition to a new governance structure.

Earlier, FAM affiliates unanimously approved the amendments to the FAM Statutes proposed by the AFC during the EGM. The AFC-proposed draft statutes were developed following an audit of FAM's administration, with the aim of strengthening governance and ensuring positive reforms within the national football governing body.

Key proposals in the draft include the abolition of the deputy president's post, a reduction in vice-presidential seats to three, and a restructuring of the FAM Executive Committee (Exco). Additionally, the 77-page draft statutes suggested expanding FAM's affiliate membership, granting Super League clubs automatic affiliate status and voting rights at congresses, provided they are separate from state football associations.

The upcoming FAM Annual Congress in September will be pivotal, as it will see the election of new leadership for the national football governing body, with significant focus on the positions of president and three vice-presidents.