Tunku Ismail slams rivals for whining over JDT's dominance

New Straits Times

05-05-2025

KUALA LUMPUR: Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) owner Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim has lashed out at critics of the club's dominance, saying the mentality of Malaysian football is regressing due to envy and a refusal to improve.
In a fiery statement, the Regent of Johor made it clear that JDT's mission has never been about simply taking part, but to raise the bar in all aspects of the game.
"It's never about participating. It has always been about dominating and levelling up from the very beginning," he said.
Tunku Ismail questioned the effectiveness of the constant criticism and negativity directed at JDT over the years.
"One question — with all the nonsense that has been written and campaigned over the years, what change or difference have they achieved? Zero! While we have grown, improved, and levelled up every year," he said.
He also hit out at teams and individuals who complain about JDT's superiority in the domestic scene, accusing them of dragging the M-League down instead of rising to the challenge.
"It's a joke that some of our 'competitors' often whine and complain about not being able to compete with us, instigate that teams should withdraw and that the league is dying.
"We don't see this mentality in other leagues where there is a dominant team miles ahead of the rest. It's embarrassing, and our neighbours Thailand and Indonesia can clearly see the mentality in Malaysia — which is just quit if you can't compete.
"We should be pushing our teams to improve, step up, be more professional and compete within," he said.
While the statement does not name anyone specifically, it could be seen as a response to recent remarks by Kuala Lumpur FA (KLFA) president Syed Yazid Syed Omar, who said the league risks becoming "boring" if no team challenges JDT.
"We can't just let JDT keep winning. If not, the league will become boring," said Syed Yazid in an interview with a local television station.
Syed Yazid added that most teams today were only aiming for second or third place, and urged his own side, KL City, to take the fight directly to JDT.
However, Tunku Ismail believes it is precisely this kind of attitude — waiting for others to slow down instead of speeding up — that is holding Malaysian football back.
Despite having a smaller budget than many of Asia's heavyweights, he pointed out that JDT continue to punch above their weight on the continental stage.
"JDT would never be able to compete in Asia if we had that same mentality, as our budget is significantly lower than many teams, including in East Asia, but we still managed to finish third among 12 teams this season," said Tunku Mahkota Ismail.
He urged Malaysian fans to take pride in JDT's achievements, especially after being recognised among the best clubs in Asia.
"Malaysian fans should be proud that JDT are representing Malaysia and have a good standing in Asian football. The Opta Power Rankings rank us at No.10 in Asia today," he said.
Tunku Ismail ended his statement with a stinging observation on the current football landscape in the country.