This was confirmed today after Umno information chief Annuar Musa withdrew his candidacy in the election for the post of FAM president that was due to take place this Saturday at the FAM’s 53rd Congress.
Tunku Ismail, who is the Johor crown prince, therefore becomes the FAM president by default being the only other candidate for the post.
“I have given it a lot of thought and decided to give my due respect to the other candidate, in order for him to be given the post uncontested, and be declared FAM president.
“It is my own decision and I did not discuss it with anyone beforehand, including my wife,” the Ketereh MP told media at the parliament building today.
The FAM Congress this Saturday will now see the election of other main office bearers, namely deputy presidents, vice-presidents and exco members.
On Feb 6, Annuar had confirmed he would be contesting the post of FAM president. This was just a week after he was suspended as Mara chairman in late January, over his role in the sponsorship of the Kelantan FA by two Mara subsidiaries.
However, he promptly denied his suspension as Mara chairman had anything to do with his decision today.
“There is no link between the Mara issue and my withdrawal from the FAM election. Football issues should not be tied to any other issues,” Annuar said.
Two candidates who had previously been tipped to challenge for the FAM president’s post were Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin and former home ministry secretary-general Aseh Che Mat. However, they fell out having not confirmed their candidacy before the deadline set by FAM.
Meanwhile, Annuar said that his withdrawal was also due to several issues, including allegations linked to the youth and sports ministry.
“I was hoping there would not be any excessive lobbying and no money politics involved in the election process. I also reject any suggestion of being a proxy candidate in the FAM leadership but I have to admit such an accusation has been made,” Annuar said, amid speculation that Khairy had ordered FAM delegates to vote for him.
“This allegation is not true and I fear it will affect the relationship between FAM and the youth and sports ministry.”
Annuar said he sent a text message to Tunku Ismail earlier today, informing of his decision to withdraw his candidacy, but has not received any response as yet.
“Since the ballot papers are already printed and my name will still be on it for the post of FAM president, FAM delegates will still be able to vote for me.
“So, I hope that within the next 48 hours, the relevant organisers of the FAM Congress will take care of this situation accordingly,” Annuar said.