2 weeks Ago By Farah Azharie
HORRIFYING acid attack, unpaid salaries, bad refereeing and plain boring — that summed up the 2024-2025 M-League. Selangor's Charity Shield withdrawal following the acid attack on Faisal Halim set a grim tone for off-field issues that overshadowed league matches. It's still blatantly happening, errant clubs not paying salaries, perpetuating shame that has blighted the M-League in recent years.
Despite the introduction of the video assistant referee (VAR) system, it only led to controversies, with poorly calibrated calls and lengthy delays disrupting matches. The league itself offers zero excitement. Former international Azlan Johar sees only a one-horse race, a league that has become all too predictable — Johor Darul Ta'zim far far ahead.
"JDT have once again lived up to expectations as champions, but this is hardly surprising. The real issue lies in the competition below them. There's a clear gulf in quality.
While JDT continue to grow, the rest of the league seems to stagnate," he said. "You look at the table, and nothing makes you sit up. There are no real underdog stories.
In other countries, anyone can beat anyone. Here, we already know how things will end." Still, there were some encouraging signs.
Kuching City emerged as one of the season's few bright spots, punching above their weight. "They've shown it's not about big names but about vision and management. Sabah deserve credit, too, despite their off-pitch matters.
"Aidil Sharin Sahak (Kuching head coach) has done wonders with that team. It proves that governance matters more than reputation," he said. However, Azlan remains concerned about the league's shortcomings, particularly in fitness, tactics and physicality.
"The gaps are glaring. We're far from international standards. Watching some of these games, it's clear we're just not there yet.
" He believes this also due to an indifferent attitude among players. "It's not just about money. It's about pride and hunger.
Too many players seem content collecting pay without improving. If they stagnate, so will the national team," he said. Azlan said there is a need for structural reform.
"We need better governance, stronger clubs, and coaching stability. This revolving door of coaches isn't helping anyone. Professionalism, not shortcuts, is the only way forward.
" As the league lurches through another crisis-ridden season, Azlan concluded that if Malaysian football is to inspire again like during his playing time back in the 1980s, it must embrace real change, starting with good governance.© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd.
