News

28-07 Am I really needed

2010-07-28 06:07:00

Right after the formalities, Tengku Abdullah Shah quickly told the emcee he would prefer to meet the Press at the back of the function room.

The Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) president sported a cool look while walking to the end of the hall. He was prepared to answer questions about running for the FA of Malaysia (FAM) deputy-president’s post at the Congress this Saturday.

“Let’s talk about hockey first,” said Tengku Abdullah. While MHF secured a RM500,000-a-year deal with 100Plus for the Razak Cup for the next three years, many wondered if he would have been able to seal such deals once he was in both national bodies.

The signing ceremony between MHF and 100Plus was at a leading hotel in Bukit Bintang yesterday.

“But am I really needed (in FAM)? That is the question I have been asking myself on numerous occasions,” confessed Tengku Abdullah.

“I’m thankful, regardless if I'm needed, or not.”

“I don’t think there will be a conflict of interest as it involves two different sports. I thought my tenure with MHF would be temporary. I was, in fact, doing the Sultan of Perak a favour.

“But I’ve come to love and enjoy hockey and the fraternity.”

Nevertheless, Tengku Abdullah remains a passionate football man.

“I admit I cannot run away from football. I still play football, I still read about football and I still watch football."

Tengku Abdullah, who quit the deputy-president’s post in 2007, stressed he was well aware of the issues in FAM.

Despite already being a vice-president in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), observers claim Tengku Abdullah is being groomed to take over the presidency from his father Sultan Ahmad Shah.

Others say that Tengku Abdullah has set his sights to head AFC and later land a position in Fifa.

On his chances of winning the post, Tengku Abdullah said: “Let’s not pre-empt the whole scenario. If I can contribute, I will give my best.

“However, I can’t do miracles. It’s up to the coaches and players at the end of the day.”

Malay Mail