KUALA LUMPUR — Newly appointed Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) vice president Datuk Dollah Salleh is hopeful of being named chairman of the national team’s technical department, with the final decision expected at the governing body’s executive council meeting in the next two weeks.
The 62-year-old former national legend made history by becoming the first ex-player elected to such a prestigious post in FAM today, securing 16 votes to finish among the top four candidates, thus earning a vice-presidential seat for the 2025-2029 term.
Dollah is one of three new faces in the role, alongside Datuk Mohd Azhar Jamaluddin and Saaran Nadarajah, while Datuk Seri Rosmadi Ismail retained his seat from the previous term.
Rosmadi and Azhar topped the vote count with 17 votes each, followed by Saaran with 13. Syed Yazid Syed Omar, the fifth candidate, missed out after garnering nine votes.
Speaking to reporters, Dollah said he had long wanted to contribute to FAM’s technical department and was eager to begin his official duties.
“To be honest, I wasn’t expecting to win this position, and I’m grateful to all the affiliates who voted for me. Their trust shows they see something in me and believe I can contribute to the growth of the national team.
“As vice president, I want to fulfil their expectations and give my best in whatever additional duties the executive council assigns me in the coming weeks.
“Personally, I hope to contribute to the technical department, as I have gained extensive knowledge over the years, both as a player and a coach. I believe I would excel if given the role to chair,” he said during a press conference after the 61st FAM Congress today.
Despite his new role, Dollah pledged to remain humble, acknowledging that he still had much to learn.
“One thing is for sure: I will give my best for the betterment of the national football team.”
Dollah, who is also the acting manager of Sri Pahang FC, assured that he could handle both responsibilities without conflict.
“It doesn’t matter that I’m managing Pahang; I will allocate equal time to both roles, ensuring that I remain fair, unbiased, and fully committed to my duties.”
Dollah’s close friend and former Harimau Malaya captain Datuk Zainal Abidin Hassan was elected to the executive committee (exco) alongside seven other candidates.
In another major appointment, former FAM vice-president Datuk Mohd Joehari Mohd Ayub was officially named FAM’s eighth president, making history as the first Sabahan to hold the position.
Joehari replaces Tan Sri Hamidin Mohd Amin, who opted not to seek re-election after leading FAM since 2018.
Meanwhile, both Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mahadi and Datuk S. Sivasundaram retained their positions as deputy presidents, having won unopposed. — February 15, 2025