JOHOR BAHRU – Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim has called on all parties to give their full backing to the national football team, urging supporters to show patience and constructive support as Malaysia looks to build a competitive squad.
Tunku Ismail, who owns Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT), stressed that long-term development required time and unity, and highlighted the importance of combining local coaching experience with international expertise.
“This is a collaboration — local coaches working with foreign professionals, exchanging ideas and knowledge,” he told reporters today.
“If we truly care about Malaysian football and want to see real progress, then we must give it time, space, and most importantly, support.”
His comments come in response to remarks made by Malaysian football legend Datuk Santokh Singh, who recently questioned the national team’s identity and criticised its heavy reliance on naturalised and heritage players at the expense of local talent.
Tunku Ismail defended the current approach, saying what mattered most was commitment and performance, not origin.
“Personally, I don’t care where a player comes from or what colour his skin is. If he has Malaysian roots and gives everything for the team, that’s what truly matters,” he said.
The Johor Regent also took aim at what he described as targeted efforts to undermine his contributions to Malaysian football, claiming that recent criticism of the national team, JDT and the domestic league was indirectly aimed at him.
“In the past month or so, it’s become clear that some people dislike the positive steps being taken to strengthen the national team — and I’ve become their main target,” he said.
“Since they can’t attack me directly, they try to discredit JDT and stir up negative sentiment around the league and the national side.”
Tunku Ismail also responded to concerns over the withdrawal of several teams from the Super League next season, calling on other football stakeholders to take greater responsibility.
“Each state has its own leaders and key figures who can play a role in building up their clubs. So what have they been doing until now?” he asked.
“I will continue doing what I’ve always done — focusing on JDT’s development and supporting whatever is needed for the national team.” — May 19, 2025
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