In a statement, Bung, who is also Sabah deputy chief minister, said the resignation from the post that he has held since June 2021 was made of his own free will.

He said he wanted to focus fully on his political career.

Although admitting to being a little disappointed with Sabah FC’s achievements, he said that during the time he led the state’s football governing body, Safa was able to make certain changes and further develop football at the grassroots level.

“I am happy I managed to bring some changes to the Safa administration and success for the Sabah FC team even though it is still at a level that is not yet satisfactory.

“Managing a football governing body requires the support of all parties, especially the main leaders of the state leadership, who must have the will to help Safa, specifically Sabah FC, move further forward,” he said.

In December 2020, Safa supreme council members unanimously agreed to appoint Bung as Safa acting president. He was confirmed as Safa president at its extraordinary general meeting in June 2021.

Bung said he had no personal agenda in leading Safa. Instead, he had to face various challenges in terms of time constraints and financial resources to improve the standard of the game in the state.

“It is my hope that the fans, who all along have had high regard for the Sabah football team, will continue to support my successor,” he said.

He said his official resignation letter would be sent to Safa soon to be finalised.