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JDT boss TMJ promises transparency in bid to become FAM president

Tunku Sultan Ismail promised transparency for Malaysian football if he succeeds in his bid to become the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) president, vowing that the people will have the power to shape the nation's football.

"If I win, the fans and FAM will have a unique relationship. You will always know our plans as I will be hands on," said TMJ during a meet and greet session with fans in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday.

"Let us bring up Malaysian football together. The football is for you people and I am here to serve the people."

The Johor Crown Prince, also known as TMJ, will be up against former Kelantan FA president Tan Sri Annuar Musa for the coveted hot seat at the FAM elections on March 25.

But the Johor Darul Ta'zim boss is strong favourite to assume the mantle after outlaying his vision to the fans, which includes a visit to every state and club to assess their facilities and infrastructure.

"The executive committee meeting, which happens every three months, will no longer happen in the FAM headquarters if I take over. It will be spread out throughout the states, and I will personally be present.

"We want to see every team's facilities and how to improve it. Not only that, I also plan to have a meet and greet session with the fans of that team, and they can voice out their grouses or plans to me. I will then convey that message to the affiliates and we can work on it.

"I want to know every team's plans and vision, including grassroots development, which must have a proper outline."

TMJ was also clear on his future plans for the national team, insisting they would be handled in a vastly different manner.

"I want the national team to be its own body," he said. "That means having a proper structure, which includes a chief executive officer and all. They also will report to me directly, instead of the deputy president or the secretary-general."

TMJ was also vocal about television coverage of Malaysian football, which has been sub-par over the last three seasons since the deal with Astro ended.

The Johor royal says he will ensure that every club gets an equal share of the cake from a reputable broadcaster.

"The financial backbone of every team is through broadcasting rights, which is what I want to rightfully give back to the competing teams," he said. "I want to take back the 40 percent profit FAM is to receive and return it where it belongs."

The current broadcasters of Malaysian domestic football are conglomerate Media Prima, which is reportedly covering the 2016 season on a meagre budget of just over RM 6 million.

Becoming the new FAM president won't be easy, admits TMJ, who has always been associated with only one state.

"It will be a challenge, but I am a hard worker. If I set a target, I will do whatever it takes to achieve it."