KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian Chinese Football Association (MCFA) president Datuk Jeffery Low is not amused over the submission of a nomination form to the FA of Malaysia's (FAM) Election Committee without his knowledge.
Jeffery revealed that the unauthorised action, which occurred ahead of FAM's congress-cum-elections on Feb 15, has left him feeling betrayed.
In response, MCFA has immediately withdrawn the nomination form, and is set to convene a meeting with its executive committee to propose a qualified candidate for the elections.
"Of course, I feel disappointed when someone who appointed you as president, then submitted a nomination form without your knowledge. You feel like you've been betrayed, that's all," said Jeffery.
The controversy follows a report which allegedly exposed a high-ranking official from a state football association submitting a nomination form to support a specific individual without the president's consent. The revelation prompted the FA president to demand the withdrawal of the form and resign from the FAM exco in protest against what he described as a "backdoor arrangement" by certain parties.
Jeffery stressed that manipulating the electoral process would not be easy, as FAM's affiliates are well-informed and capable of evaluating candidates. He expressed confidence that the right individuals would be chosen based on their work ethic and achievements.
"It's not easy for anyone to manipulate the elections because every club knows what they're doing," said Jeffery.
The elections will see 18 FAM affiliates voting for the new leadership for the 2025-2029 term, with Kelantan and Perlis currently suspended.