Safee Sali steps down as PFAM president
In a heartfelt two-minute video shared on Instagram, the 41-year-old said the decision was not an easy one, but it was time to make way for new, younger leadership.
"I would like to wish everyone a blessed Awal Muharram. Hopefully, the new year brings strength and prosperity for a better life.
"Secondly, this will be my final week as president of PFAM. It's not an easy decision, but I believe it's time to give space to the younger generation to take over."
Safee said he hopes his departure will open the door for fresh perspectives and allow Malaysian football to grow with the players at the forefront.
"Players are the key to moving football forward in Malaysia. I hope the new leadership will introduce innovative ideas and implement the necessary changes. I wish them the best of luck," he said.
"My job is done. From 2019 to the present, I would like to thank all PFAM staff, especially Izham Ismail (PFAM CEO), and the players who have supported me. Good luck in the future, the future is yours."
In a separate caption accompanying the video, Safee wrote: "Today, I officially announce my resignation as president of PFAM. It has been a fulfilling journey working alongside passionate individuals. I will continue to support PFAM in a new way and am excited to see what the future holds. Thank you all for the great memories."
He also attached a statement thanking PFAM for the opportunity to serve, and expressed his belief in the potential of the next generation.
"This decision did not come easily, but I believe it is time for me to step aside and allow the younger generation to take the lead," he said.
"I am confident that the future leaders of our association will bring new energy and vision to our shared passion for the game. I look forward to seeing the positive changes and am excited about what the future holds for football and the young talents it represents."
Safee, who enjoyed a storied career at the club and international level, was appointed president of PFAM in 2019. His tenure saw greater advocacy for player welfare and efforts to professionalise support structures within the local football scene.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
3 hours ago
- New Straits Times
SIC eyes record-breaking crowd for Malaysian GP
KUALA LUMPUR: Sepang International Circuit (SIC) is sticking to their target of attracting 200,000 fans over three-days at the Petronas Grand Prix of Malaysia (Malaysian GP) on October 24-26. SIC chief executive officer Azhan Shafriman Hanif admits it is a lofty target but is determined to make it happen this year. The Malaysian GP achieved a record three-day attendance of 184,923 last year. "We have already reached 75 per cent of our ticket capacity and this year we are introducing a number of exciting enhancements which includes our first-ever pre-race electronic dance music festivals," said Shafriman during a Malaysian GP event in Kuala Lumpur today (Aug 12). "200,000 (target over three-days) is a bit of a stretch we know, but of course, with the support of everyone we know we can achieve it." Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh also attended the Malaysian GP event today. The race will be preceded by two EDM festivals on October 18-19. RM1 from each ticket sold will be channeled to the National Sports Trust Fund (KWASN) which will support the development of Malaysian athletes. A special buy one free one ticket promotion is currently being held for Malaysian GP Rahmah Tickets which are priced at RM49.90 each. The promotion, which started at 8pm today (Aug 12), is only for 24 hours.
New Straits Times
5 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Zulaikah swings back into contention with birdie finish
Malaysia's trio of Zulaikah Nasser, Aretha Pan and Genevieve Ling have given themselves a fighting chance to secure a dream LPGA Tour start at the Maybank Championship in October after a solid opening round today. Zulaikah carded an even-par 72 to share second place with Thai amateur Achiraya Sriwong, both trailing another Thai amateur, Kritchanya Kaopattanaskul, by five strokes after she fired a stunning 67 at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club (KLGCC). Zulaikah said: "I feel pretty good about my round although it was very up and down. "I think I did well through the first eight holes and then on nine and 10, I bogeyed both holes. "However, I bounced right back and finished with a birdie. I'm happy. I am hopeful for another good day tomorrow. Aretha and Genevieve each returned a 73 to sit in a four-way tie for third alongside Thailand's Chanakim Khamborn and Namo Luangnitkul, heading into today's decisive final 18 holes. Only the top five finishers will book their spots in the US$3 million (RM12.7 million) showpiece, which returns for its third edition as the richest LPGA Tour stop in Asia. Earning a place in the elite 78-woman field guarantees a minimum payout of approximately US$5,400 as the tournament is a no-cut event. It was a tougher day for the highest-ranked Malaysian in the field, Liyana Durisic, and former SEA Games gold medallist Ng Jing Xuen, who both have work to do to secure back-to-back appearances after struggling to 77s in the opening round. Leading first round scores: (Malaysian unless stated) *(a) indicates amateur 67: Kritchanya Kaopattanaskul (Tha) (a); 72: Zulaikah Nasser, Achiraya Sriwong (Tha) (a); 73: Chakansim Khamborn (Tha), Aretha Pan, Genevieve Ling, Namo Luangnitikul (Tha); 74: Tatiana Wijaya (Ina), Thitapa Pakdeesettakul (Tha), Onkanok Soisuwan (Tha), Kan Bunnabodee (Tha).
New Straits Times
8 hours ago
- New Straits Times
MAS downplays Sea Games medal chances as swimming revamp continues
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will once again be depending on Khiew Hoe Yean to deliver gold at the Thailand Sea Games (Dec 9-20) as it could take up to a decade to revamp Malaysian swimming, says the national body. Malaysia Aquatics (MAS) deputy president Marilyn Chua said besides Hoe Yean, Malaysia also has a podium shot in the men's 4 x 200m freestyle and women's 4 x 100m medley relays but admitted it will be tough to win gold in other individual events. Hoe Yean won the men's 200m freestyle gold at both the 2021 Hanoi and 2023 Phnom Penh Sea Games. They were the only gold Malaysia won in swimming at both editions. The 22-year-old has been in record breaking form this season - he won silver at the World University Games in Berlin last month - and is expected to be a contender in both the 200m and 400m freestyle events in Thailand. "Hoe Yean is our key swimmer and we are definitely depending on him to win gold in Thailand but we are also hoping for some podium finishes in the relays," said Marilyn when met at the Sea Games selection committee meeting at Wisma OCM here today (Aug 12). "(Besides Hoe Yean) I would say it is going to be a challenge to win (other individual event) gold but we are definitely aiming for the podium. "The new (MAS) committee came on board two years ago but there is not much we can do with what we have right now. "With our new coaches, we are doing the best we can with this batch of swimmers. "We had to revamp and start (development) from scratch again. It is a long-term process which we hope will bear fruit within eight to 10 years. "The goal is to have greater strength in depth and not have to depend on just one swimmer to win gold for us." Malaysian swimming and diving have both suffered a significant decline in performance over the past decade. This prompted a change in leadership in 2023 which saw big names such as Marilyn, Nurul Huda Abdullah and Andy Low, among others, coming into the MAS committee with a goal of reviving Malaysian aquatic sports. They restructured the national programmes for both disciplines, appointing technical directors for both and also hired new foreign and local coaches to boost development of new talent. MAS will be sending a big contingent to the Thailand Sea Games which comprises 27 swimmers (11 category A, 16 category B), six divers ( 3 A, 3 B), 17 artistic swimmers (all B), 14 water polo players (all B) and five open water swimmers (all B). Category A athletes' competition expenses are covered by the government while category B athletes must pay out of their own pockets but will be reimbursed if they win a medal. MAS have opted to send mostly junior divers to Thailand. The six selected are Syafiq Puteh, Nurqayyum Nazim, Yong Rui Jie and Elvis Clement, Nur Eilisha Rania and Nurul Farisya Alia Affendi. A total of four gold medals will be on offer in diving at the Thailand Sea Games in the men's 3 metre springboard individual and synchronised, men's 1m springboard individual as well as the women's platform synchronised.
