Malaysia Football Association urged to appoint foreign head coach

Football observers are calling on the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) to appoint a permanent foreign head coach for the Harimau Malaya national team. Prof. Madya Dr. Zulakbal Abd Karim suggested that interim coach Tan Cheng Hoe, who also serves as the Technical Director, may have reached his ceiling in terms of elevating the squad to international success.

Zulakbal noted that while Cheng Hoe provides technical value, a foreign coach could introduce a different work culture and approach to the organization. He suggested Cheng Hoe could remain with the team as an assistant to a new head coach to provide technical input.

Meanwhile, Tan Cheng Hoe stated he is currently monitoring players in the Malaysia League and abroad to select the squad for upcoming international friendlies against China and Yemen. He emphasized that all players, including new faces, have the opportunity to earn a spot based on performance, though he declined to comment on speculation regarding his own permanent position.