Local football arena will miss Raja Ahmad's enthusiasm

His interest in football did not wane even though he was no longer at the helm of the nation's football governing body, the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM).

Datuk Seri Raja Ahmad Zainuddin Raja Omar's vocal criticisms and views aimed at taking the national football squad to the international arena often opened the eyes of local football fans and officials.

The loss of the former FAM vice-president will very much be felt as he was sharp and vocal in raising views, though unpleasant, against the football governing body in the interest of improving football in the country.

The death of Raja Ahmad Zainuddin, 61, at the KPJ Hospital in Ipoh, Perak about 8.30am from viral infection of the lungs has shocked the local football scene.

FAM deputy president Datuk Yusoff Mahadi when contacted by Bernama said Raja Ahmad Zainuddin was a football personality who contributed enormously, especially when he was the Perak team manager in the 1990's.

"He was an individual who had served and raised the image of football in the country. Even though he did not hold any post, he tirelessly gave his views.

"He was a towering figure, especially when he was with Perak as he turned the team around and made them rise from their ebb," he said.

Raja Ahmad took Perak to emerge as Malaysia Cup champions in 1988, after a 28-year gap and he will always be remembered for phenomenal achievement and the nickname, ''The Boss Gaurus''.

Indeed, he was very much respected among Perak football fans.

"The passing of Raja Ahmad was sad news to all football fans, especially in Perak after having contributed so much to the sports.

"I expressed my heartfelt condolences to his family and may Allah bless his soul," he said.

Meanwhile, FAM secretary-general, Datuk Hamidin Mohd Amin said Raja Ahmad Zainuddin''s love for football had never waned as he did not stop speaking up for football despite not being involved in any football body.

"I was with Raja Ahmad when he was FAM vice-president and I was then in the executive committee. Wherever he went, the subject would always be on improving football.

"I just contacted him last week and he was still giving ideas on how to develop football in the country," he said.

After failing to win any post in the 2010 FAM Congress, the then-president,Sultan Ahmad Shah appointed him to head the FAM Finance Committee and Competition Committee for the 2010-2014 term.

Raja Ahmad was the one who proposed Malaysia open its doors to players from ASEAN countries in the local league on local player ticket, just like the move by the European Union (EU).

He had also proposed that state football associations take over the management of stadiums in each state so as to generate revenue for the association and become less dependent on state government assistance.

-- BERNAMA