‘We know where we stand’: Minister Abdul Karim responds to FAM concerns over S’wak football devt outside national structure

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By Amanda L

KUCHING, June 15: Sarawak’s football development plans will continue to operate within the framework set by the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) and international governing bodies, with the State not seeking to override existing structures.

Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development (MYSED) Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said Sarawak fully recognises the roles played by governing bodies at both the national and international levels and understands the regulations governing football competitions.

“We acknowledge that every sport has its governing bodies at the national and international levels.

“For football, we have FIFA, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) and the national body.

“We know where we stand and are not looking to override anyone,” he told reporters after a press conference on the 3rd Asian Doubles Squash Championship 2026 here today.

Abdul Karim was responding to comments linked to Sarawak’s football development plans, which he said had been misconstrued as an attempt to venture into competitions beyond the State’s jurisdiction.

Clarifying the matter, he said the initiative remains firmly focused on grassroots development with efforts concentrated at the district, divisional and State levels rather than on national or international competitions.

He reiterated that Sarawak would continue to abide by FAM’s rules and regulations should any football programme involve competitions beyond the State level.

“If it involves international competitions, we will comply with FAM. We know FAM is the body responsible for football in Malaysia,” he stressed.

According to him, the State’s long-term objective is to establish a strong football development ecosystem capable of producing more quality players while broadening the talent pool available for the sport.

“We want to build up that structure from the district, division and State levels so that we can produce many good footballers.

“If they eventually progress to clubs or higher levels of competition, that is good. What we want is to provide a big pool of players,” he said.

He added that meaningful football development must begin at a young age with emphasis placed on nurturing talent from the school level to create a sustainable pipeline of future players.

“Our aim is to develop football from schoolchildren upwards. That is what development is all about,” he said. — DayakDaily

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