Border Control and Protection Agency director-general Shuhaily Zain has declined his appointment as deputy chairperson of the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) Integrity Committee, citing his current responsibilities.

Shuhaily, a former Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director, is under investigation following an incident at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) in which he was captured on closed-circuit television (CCTV) reprimanding two security personnel.

In a statement today, FAM said Shuhaily had informed the association that his agency commitments prevented him from taking up the appointment for the 2025-2029 term.

"FAM respects the decision and expresses its appreciation for his willingness and previous commitment to helping FAM strengthen aspects of integrity and governance,” FAM added.

"FAM will ensure that the smooth functioning of the integrity committee continues to be given attention to support efforts in strengthening FAM's integrity and governance," it added.

Malaysiakini reported on Sept 30 that Shuhaily had been appointed deputy chairperson of the committee, with former deputy inspector-general of police Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay (above) named as its chairperson.

The appointments came as FAM sought to strengthen its governance structures by bringing in figures from outside the organisation.

FAM president Ab Ghani Hassan had said such appointments were based on the credibility and experience of individuals in relevant fields, to bolster the governance of the national football governing body.

Integrity crisis

The move is significant as FAM grapples with a serious integrity crisis stemming from the "heritage" player scandal.

Ghani, who assumed the FAM presidency on Sept 17, subsequently apologised to Malaysian football fans over the controversy.

Ghani (above) said the new leadership viewed the matter seriously and that FAM needed to tighten its procedures governing player documentation and national team call-ups to ensure all requirements were properly complied with.

Shuhaily, meanwhile, came under public scrutiny after CCTV footage showing him reprimanding two security personnel at KLIA went viral on social media.

He subsequently questioned the motive behind the recording leak.

Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said police were in the process of completing their investigation paper into the incident, with statements still being recorded and evidence being gathered.

“They (the police) will complete the investigation paper. As for that (the investigation paper), I have not seen it. From what I know of the process, the investigation is ongoing.

“The completed investigation paper will be submitted to the Attorney-General’s Chambers. Whether it has reached there or not, I have no information on that yet,” he said.

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