KUALA LUMPUR: The FA of Malaysia (FAM) tried to convince Kim Pan Gon to stay as Harimau Malaya coach but failed.
Pan Gon announced his resignation at Wisma FAM in Kelana Jaya on Tuesday.
FAM deputy president Datuk Yusoff Mahadi said FAM officials made their best effort to persuade Pan Gon to stay, but they were unsuccessful.
"This process lasted for about four weeks. We did our best, but he remained resolute," said a disappointed Yusoff.
"He told us the decision was due to personal reasons, and we had no choice but to respect it.
"The fact that the team have progressed under his guidance makes it more difficult for us. We truly feel the loss.
Pan Gon was appointed as national coach in February 2022.
During the two years and four months tenure, Pan Gon successfully led the national squad to the 2023 Asian Cup in Qatar last January and improved the country's ranking from No. 154 to No. 130.