Datuk Seri Nizar Jamaluddin

KUALA LUMPUR: I will not budge! Ousted Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Nizar Jamaluddin is adamant about helming Perak FA (Pafa) till the end of his term next year, ensuring Kejar Yob Kejar fans that the Silver State will play in the Super League next season.

Plagued with monetary woes and internal bickering, the Seladang could be booted out from the domestic league as they have yet to settle wages, EPF contributions and other arrears, estimated at RM5 million, before Monday (Nov 30).

Current Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir insists they will lend a hand but will not interfere in Pafa's crisis. Nevertheless, Youth and Sports State chairman Zainol Padzi Paharuddin contradicted Zambry after he was quoted saying "the State government has no problem helping but the credibility of the leader is the issue".

In an exclusive interview with Mailsport at Parliament House, Nizar stressed he was willing to step down only if those wanting to replace him have football at heart.

"These people want to destroy my image. It's character assassination," said Nizar. "I welcome the State government's help if their intention is good and there is no political tone. We're talking about Perak football here, not politics."

The Pas leader also claims there is a concerted effort to boot him out as certain affiliates are "coaxed" to cast move a no-confidence motion against him.

"What is the assurance that those wanting to take over can settle all dues before Nov 30?" questioned Nizar. "If they really had football at heart, they would have cleared all the debts during their time in power!"

Nizar dismissed talk that he was hanging on to the presidency in a bid to woo political support from the grassroots.

"I could have washed my hands off when I was overthrown (as MB) earlier this year but I stayed on. It has nothing to do with my bid in making a comeback but I feel that Perak football can be saved with the right administration. When I was menteri besar, I gave out RM550,000 and I was not even Pafa president then.

"The Regent gave Pafa RM4 million before I came into office. That money was subject to abuse and inappropriation.

"We're cash strapped at the moment and I could ask for financial aid from private corporations but I don't want to. Football is the people's game and it is only right for Perak folks to be stakeholders, through funds by the State government. Corporations would want kickbacks ... maybe not today but in the future and we don't want to beindebted to them."

Of talks that those in FA of Malaysia (FAM) are also trying to stifle his work, Nizar said; "I don't know and I hope not."

Nizar reminded those who played politics could suffer the wrath of Fifa. "It is not a threat but I'm merely stating facts. Fifa will not tolerate politics in football and this could jeopardise Pafa and Malaysian football.

"The team is still training. M. Karathu left on his own accord but we still keep in touch and replacing him is Raja Azlan Shah Raja Shoib. We've also to lured back K.Nanthakumar and Chan Wing Hong."

Nanath played for Super League champions Selangor this season while Chan played for Perlis. Nizar held talks with FAM last week, hoping the national body would come up with a fair solution.

Nizar is also scheduled to meet EPF CEO Tan Sri Azlan Zainol to convince the latter to allow Pafa to repay the money owed through staggered payments of RM30,000 (initially) followed by RM 5,000 every month.

Perak have always been a traditional force in the M-League, with seven Malaysia Cup titles, two Premier League titles and two FA Cup wins. Meanwhile, FAM general secretary Datuk Azzuddin Ahmad is set to meet Perak Exco members along with the Perak FA at noon today to discuss Perak's participation in the 2010 season.