KJ to pull out from FAM presidency election if TMJ contests

KUALA LUMPUR: Khairy Jamaluddin is ready to withdraw from contesting for the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) presidency post should Johor crown prince Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim decide to contest.
"Yes, sure," the Youth and Sports Minister said when asked by reporters after attending the Malaysian Youth Parliament Session III Year 2016 at Parliament, here, today.
However, Khairy said he himself has yet to decide whether or not to contest having only found out about it through news reports three days ago, adding that the FAM has yet to formally inform him on his candidacy.
Khairy and Tunku Ismail have been nominated by affiliates for the post alongside former Kelantan Football Association (Kafa) president Tan Sri Annuar Musa and former Home Ministry secretary-general Tan Sri Aseh Che Mat.
"I think both Annuar and Aseh too will withdraw if Tunku Ismail decides to contest," Khairy said.
Tunku Ismail had, previously, said he would decline the post as it should not be held by Royal household members and those who had connections with state football associations.
Khairy, however, acknowledged that Tunku Ismail would be a favourite should he contest due to his big fanbase and influence in the footballing scene.
Khairy added that he would first discuss with all stakeholders, especially state football associations, on why his name was nominated as a candidate, before making a decision.
"It's still too early to make a decision. There are two weeks to go before we need to confirm whether to contest or not," he said.
Khairy explained that being a minister, as well as being in charge of the Sea Games and National Transformation 2050, among other things, might make it hard for him to provide his full focus on FAM.