Describing himself as ‘Proud Made in Malaysia’ Subkhiddin Salleh – FA of Malaysia (FAM) exco member and chairman of the Referee Committee – dropped a bombshell that was least expected from the former FIFA World Cup official. He has quit both posts.
And he has made it clear that there is no return to any of the posts he quit, reiterating that he wants to spend more time with his family and take care of his mother who is sick.
Netizens are responsible for Subkhiddin’s shock decision to quit on Monday. He had earlier chaired the FAM Referee Committee meeting at Wisma FAM during which referee Suresh Jayaraman’s poor handling of the final between Perak and Terengganu at the National Stadium, Bukit Jalil on Oct 27 was viewed on video and discussed.
Suresh sacked a player each from Perak (Gilmar Filho) and Terengganu (Lee Tuck) in a controversial final where he also disallowed two Perak goals. Perak, however, fought back from 2-0 down to draw level 3-3 in extra time and won the penalty shootout 4-1 to take the silverware.
Visibly upset with the criticism hurled at him and his family, Subkhiddin said: “Even my late father is not spared. Many harsh words were used in Facebook comments, targetting my family, for the alleged poor refereeing by Suresh.
“There is nothing wrong with decisions made by Suresh…he followed the rules accordingly,” said Subkhiddin.
“I am a bit sensitive when it comes to my family. And I am aware that my family is affected by the criticism hurled at me. Even my mother asked me about the matter.”
The 52-year-old Subkhiddin added: “When you are not appreciated it is best to go. When my family becomes the target I cannot take it…I am sensitive at that (my family).
“My family is my strength. From now I want to focus on my family and take care of my mother who is sick.”
As a parting shot, Subkhiddin said: “When referees in Europe and EPL (English Premier League) make mistakes it all okay. Why? Because it is EPL. I am proud to be a ‘Made in Malaysia’ (product). – BY RIZAL ABDULLAH
