KUALA LUMPUR: The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) has warned fans critical of president Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim's leadership not to be too quick to rush to judgment.
There has been a backlash against FAM after the national team's eight-match winless run led to another plunge in Malaysia's ranking.
FAM general secretary Datuk Hamidin Amin said in a statement on Thursday that the national team's performance and ranking, which dropped to 174th in the latest Fifa list, has been a long-standing issue.
"Fans need to make an analysis based on facts," said Hamidin. "Firstly, the national team's performance has not been good for a while and it is our duty to find a new formula to improve its performances.
"Secondly, many took issue when Tunku Ismail said being president is only a part-time job. This statement is correct because all FAM executive committee members serve on a part-time basis."
Hamidin said unwarranted criticism of FAM and its leadership points to the "undeveloped nation" mentality of the people and could lead to Tunku Ismail leaving the association.
"It is like low-class minded," he said. "Should Tunku Ismail decide to leave FAM, it is the association which will suffer.
"FAM has debts of RM49 million with no funding in place for next year. Many companies are currently interested in sponsoring FAM to the tune of RM60 million to RM80 million but this could all disappear."
Hamidin added that Tunku Ismail intended for FAM to give each M-League team RM6 million or RM7 million a year but this too is under threat.
"Maybe, each team may get RM3 million first," he said. "Previously, FAM did not give more than RM400,000 but if Tunku Ismail no longer heads FAM, then the sponsors will withdraw and then there will be no money to distribute."