KUALA LUMPUR: The FA of Malaysia (FAM) has yet to discuss Tan Cheng Hoe's future or the possibility of appointing a foreign coach to lead Harimau Malaya towards the 2030 World Cup-2031 Asian Cup qualifiers.
FAM president Datuk Ab Ghani Hassan said the priority was to find a coach capable of delivering results, whether local or foreign.
The issue has come into focus following Malaysia's encouraging FIFA Asean Cup campaign, in which they recorded three wins and a draw without conceding a goal.
The results have sparked debate among fans, with some backing Cheng Hoe to continue while others want FAM to bring in a foreign coach.
Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu has emerged as a popular choice among local fans, but Ghani said no discussions had taken place on the coaching matter.
"At FAM, we have not taken any action on this yet. The matter will be discussed," Ghani told Astro Arena.
"We acknowledge that foreign coaches bring their own expertise and experience. We want good results, and if a local coach can deliver, we should continue with that option. If we need a foreign coach, we will consider it.
"This is not a decision for me alone. We will discuss it, and if there are specific names, they will be brought to the table. For now, nothing has been discussed."
FAM's last foreign coaches were Kim Pan Gon and Peter Cklamovski.
Pan Gon, who took charge in February 2022, guided Malaysia to qualify for the 2023 Asian Cup on merit for the first time since 1980 but resigned in 2024, citing personal reasons.
Australian Cklamovski began his tenure in January 2025 but left the national team in June without delivering a major trophy and his tenure was smeared by the fake heritage player scandal.
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