An open letter to Harimau Malaya head coach Cklamovski

The Star

12 hours ago

Dear Peter,
Since we've never met, allow me to introduce myself.
I'm a journalist with over three decades of experience covering Malaysian football, and until recently, the country's sole representative in the prestigious Ballon d'Or voting panel – before the organisers limited participation to media from the top 100 FIFA-ranked nations.
Above all, I'm a passionate supporter of Harimau Malaya and Malaysian football.
It's not too late to extend a warm welcome to you as the first Australian to take the helm of our national team.
You may be familiar with another Australian who left a lasting mark here – Ron Smith. He served as Football Association of Malaysia's (FAM) director of coaching over two decades ago and created a legacy in Sabah and Pahang, albeit very briefly.
He and played a pivotal role in developing talents like Shukor Adan, Nizaruddin Yusof, and Nidzam Jamil, laying the groundwork for the 2001 SEA Games squad.
His legacy reminds us that foreign expertise, when aligned with local development, can be transformative.
Your early impact has been encouraging. The victories over Nepal and Vietnam in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers were impressive, and the inclusion of naturalised and heritage players like Hector Hevel and Jon Irazabal has added technical depth and international experience to the squad.
However, their presence – despite unclear ancestral ties to Malaysia, has sparked debate.
While FIFA may not object if the government has issued the necessary documents, fans are left questioning the criteria behind these decisions.
Transparency is sorely lacking. Rob Friend, Harimau Malaya's chief executive officer, has yet to clearly explain the heritage or residency pathways for several players, despite his recent media charm offensive.
This opacity risks alienating supporters and undermining the development of homegrown talent.
Naturalisation should be guided by integrity, fairness, and a genuine connection to Malaysia. It must complement – not replace – the nurturing of local stars like Arif Aiman Hanapi and Ahmad Syihan Hazmi.
The national team must remain a source of pride and identity for Malaysians.
The situation has even led to widespread online speculation that FAM may have breached naturalisation rules. Whether true or not, the lack of clear communication fuels mistrust.
Peter, Malaysian football has always been a blend of local pride and international collaboration. As we embrace a new generation of players, let us also preserve the values and memories of those who built the foundation.
As we look to the future, it is equally important to honour the past. The legacy of players like Razali Alias and Ray Crawford reminds us of the rich history and multicultural spirit that has long defined Malaysian football.
Razali, a Singapore-born striker, became the first naturalised player to represent Malaysia after he was granted citizenship in January 1984.
He went on tour with the national team to the Middle East but FIFA ruled him ineligible for the World Cup qualifiers the following year as he had represented Singapore.
Few Malaysians realise the first naturalised player with no connection to this land to don national colours was an Englishman later known as the Jungle Boy.
Long before the Latin Americans were given their identity cards and passports to add more bite to Harimau Malaya, Portsmouth-born left-winger Ray Crawford enjoyed the distinction of representing Malaya almost 70 years ago.
A much-respected player representing the Federation Combined Services in the Malaya Cup, Crawford served 18 months in Malaya with the Royal Hampshire Regiment.
He was picked in a friendly match as the national team were officially formed, to prepare, ironically, for the first AFC Asian Cup in 1956.
These trivia aside, I write this not out of malice, but from deep concern and a shared desire to see Malaysian football reach its full potential.
Peter, your recent remarks on the allegations of internal sabotage and political interference have cast a shadow over what should have been a moment of celebration.
While your courage in speaking out is commendable, the ambiguity of your statements has left fans, analysts, and even your employer, FAM, in confusion.
FAM president Datuk Mohd Joehari Ayub has publicly urged you to clarify your claims, rightly pointing out that speculation without context only breeds division.
Vague insinuations erode trust and morale. The time for cryptic remarks is over.
Looking ahead, I wish you and the team the best of luck in the CAFA Nations Cup against Iran, Tajikistan, and Afghanistan.
This tournament, to be held in August until September, is a vital platform to test our mettle against Iran – the defending champions and Asia's second-ranked team – and other emerging Central Asian sides.
It was before a small crowd in the AFC Asian Cup final rounds in 2007 that Malaysia last met Iran, who ran out comfortable winners despite the 2-0 margin.
Peter, the path forward demands clarity, courage, and collaboration.
Malaysian football deserves nothing less.
Respectfully yours,
Rizal Hashim