A Lesson in Leadership: Why TMJ’s Press Conference Outclassed FAM’s Debacle
All of Malaysia watched. The Regent of Johor, Tunku Ismail Ibni Sultan Ibrahim (TMJ), sat alone before the media on October 25, 2025—no handlers to his left or right, no prepared script, no safety net. Any question was welcome. Even the sharp, provocative ones were taken head on—calmly, completely, and with conviction.
This was a rare sight in our modern leadership landscape: a press conference that was not theatre, but truth. A leader who did not hide behind titles or committees; who understood that leadership is not protection for you, but protection of others.
“If I don’t keep the engine running, football will fall apart.”
— TMJ
That is epistemic courage—the courage to think, to act, and to bear consequences for what you believe is true, even when you stand alone. In TMJ’s words and posture were the values that anchor real leadership: responsibility, moral clarity, and public accountability.
Why TMJ’s PC Worked — And FAM’s Didn’t
1) Clarity over chaos
TMJ presented clear answers on tough issues: the naturalised players, the FIFA sanctions, and his own role. No deflection, no jargon. In contrast, FAM’s earlier press encounters were muddled—wrong people at the microphone, poor sequencing, and little ownership.
2) Accountability over excuses
“I have been blamed for Malaysia’s football problems for 13 years. If blaming me helps you sleep, I accept it.”
— TMJ
Owning criticism disarms chaos. TMJ shouldered responsibility; he did not search for scapegoats. Meanwhile, FAM’s administrative errors left players exposed and the nation embarrassed.
3) Protecting people over protecting positions
“The players did nothing wrong… We must respect the process.”
— TMJ
Leadership protects players and the public. TMJ separated technical mistakes from moral fault and defended players’ good faith. That is how trust is built.
What TMJ Demonstrated: Values in Action
- Integrity: He refused to hide behind institutions or indulge conspiracy. He answered, fully and openly.
- Responsibility: He accepted the burden of leadership without demanding the privilege of immunity.
- Moral Consistency: He insisted on due process, even when it was inconvenient.
- Service: He framed leadership as duty: not “be protected,” but “protect.”
Context: Sanctions, Process, and Perspective
Following FIFA’s disciplinary decision—fines to FAM and 12-month suspensions for seven naturalised players—TMJ called for transparency while acknowledging that technical or administrative errors may have occurred in the submission process. He emphasised two truths: constitutionally, the players are legitimate citizens; and integrity matters—so the process must be respected while being rigorously reviewed.
Setting the Record Straight
- TMJ affirmed that the complaint regarding Malaysia’s seven naturalised players did not originate from the Vietnam Football Federation (per his briefing from AFC).
- He stated clearly there is no conflict of interest in his support for the national team, welcomed wider private-sector support, and clarified he has no plans to return as FAM President.
- He criticised the suspension of FAM’s Secretary-General as insufficient on its own—arguing that accountability must be systemic, not symbolic.
Comparative Scorecard: TMJ vs. FAM Administration
- Preparation: TMJ—unscripted, precise; FAM—scripted yet unclear.
- Ownership: TMJ—accepts responsibility; FAM—diffuses blame.
- Human focus: TMJ—protects players’ welfare and dignity; FAM—left players to bear the cost of admin failures.
- Message discipline: TMJ—one line of truth; FAM—many lines, little clarity.
Leadership with Substance
Beyond optics, TMJ’s involvement has meant funding, facilities, logistics, and higher standards around the national setup. He argues for broader contribution from Malaysian business and for fewer excuses within football governance. Results are not born of backdoors or favoritism—they are built by coaches, staff, and systems working the hard yards.
What We Should Demand from FAM
- Independent investigation: Truly external, with no ties to FAM’s administration. Trace every signature, every document, every approval.
- Competence at the table: Legal, compliance, and eligibility experts who understand FIFA/AFC regulations in detail.
- Player welfare guarantees: Players who acted in good faith must be protected and supported.
- Transparent reforms: Publish SOPs, institute dual control, audit submissions, and show timelines.
Closing: Leadership, Relearned
On October 25, 2025, TMJ reminded Malaysia what leadership looks like: sit alone, speak plainly, accept burden, protect the people. That press conference wasn’t a performance—it was a standard. Compared to FAM’s administrative disorder, it felt like daylight after fog.
Support leadership that serves. Demand systems that work. Our football—and our national pride—deserve nothing less.