By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, June 12: Kuching City FC chairman Datuk Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman is set for a straight fight with seasoned sports consultant Dr Mohd Shafiq Abdullah for the presidency of the Football Association of Sarawak (FAS) for the 2025–2027 term, ahead of the association’s highly anticipated Annual General Meeting (AGM) this Saturday (June 14).
Incumbent president Abang Zulkarnain Abang Abdul Rahman has confirmed that he will not be seeking re-election, paving the way for new leadership to take the helm of Sarawak football.
Previously, Fazzrudin had expressed his readiness to take on the role if entrusted with the responsibility, stating his commitment to revitalising football across the State—starting from the grassroots level. He emphasised the need for structured development, community engagement, and stronger support for young talents to shape a more competitive football landscape for Sarawak.
Meanwhile, DayakDaily today obtained a copy of Dr Shafiq’s proposed vision document entitled ‘A Vision for Football Development in Sarawak’, which outlines a comprehensive plan to uplift Sarawak football through sports science, data-driven decision-making, and long-term development strategies.
The document proposes a Football Development Master Plan focusing on grassroots training, infrastructure investment, and inclusive access. Dr Shafiq also champions partnerships with private sectors and academic institutions to enhance player performance and professionalism, alongside improved governance and transparent management.
A seasoned football practitioner with over two decades of experience, Dr Shafiq has held key roles such as sports technical coordinator and deputy chairman of the Technical, Competition and Venue Committee for Malaysia Games (Sukma) and Para Sukma XXI Sarawak 2024. He also served as assistant manager of UiTM FC in the Malaysian Premier League and led Malaysia’s national university football team during the ASEAN University Games in Indonesia.
Internationally, his work with DJ Management in South Korea and study tours to iconic sports institutions in Europe and Asia have broadened his perspectives on global best practices. In Sarawak, he has contributed to projects including the State’s Sports Development Master Plan and Sukma performance reviews.
According to local newspaper Suara Sarawak, this year’s AGM will also see contests for several other top positions within FAS.
The Deputy President post will feature a battle between incumbent Abang Suhordie Abang Zaini and Datuk Hamzah Brahim.
For the Vice President positions, eight candidates are contesting for four slots. The list includes three incumbents—Nicol Agoi, Khairulddin Qalam Daud, and Khairul Anuar Adeni—while the remaining candidates are Phillip Jabu, Sophie Shariee, Mohd Saif Jubaidi, Md Haical Abdullah, and Dr Kamurudin Ahmed Junaidi. – DayakDaily
