Harimau Malaya coach decision 'still under discussion', says Taufiq as Hajime Moriyasu is linked to FAM job

Malaysia has not yet decided who will coach Harimau Malaya permanently. Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari said this on Thursday, 15 October, after a week of reports linking Japan national team coach Hajime Moriyasu to the job. For now Tan Cheng Hoe stays in charge as interim coach.

What the minister said

Taufiq told Bernama that "it is still under discussion." He said the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) and other stakeholders will be involved. According to Bernama, he said the decision will take into account both performance and how the team is run, and the result will be announced once it is made.

The minister gave no date for an appointment. Bernama said FAM has not ruled out a foreign coach now that its new executive committee is in place, and that it is also willing to keep a local coach who delivers results.

FAM: no approach to Moriyasu

The speculation began with Japanese media reports that FAM wants Moriyasu to replace Tan. Regional outlets in Indonesia and Malaysia picked them up this week. Moriyasu has coached Japan since 2018 and led them at the 2022 and 2026 World Cups. Reports say his Japan contract runs until after the 2027 AFC Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia.

FAM president Datuk Ab Ghani Hassan spoke to Astro Arena on Tuesday, 13 October. He said the federation has not held talks with Moriyasu or made an official approach. He said the appointment is a decision for the executive committee rather than for him alone. He also said a local coach should get the chance if he can deliver, and that FAM would look abroad if the team needs it.

Tan Cheng Hoe's case

Tan took over as interim coach after Peter Cklamovski resigned in June. His record so far is good. At the FIFA ASEAN Cup, Malaysia went unbeaten and finished third. They beat Singapore 6-0 in the group stage and then beat Vietnam 1-0 in the bronze-medal match. The team has since climbed to 133rd in the FIFA rankings.

Malaysian commentators are split. Some say a coach of Moriyasu's standing would help the long-term project aimed at the 2030 World Cup. Others warn that a big-name hire only makes sense if the federation backs him with the right investment and a long-term plan.

What comes next for Harimau Malaya

The national team's next games are friendlies in Guangzhou against China on 14 November and Yemen on 17 November, which FAM confirmed last week. It is not yet clear whether Tan will still be in charge for that trip or whether a permanent appointment will be made first.

Whoever gets the job will be expected to build towards qualification for the 2030 World Cup, which remains the national team's long-term target.

Key takeaways

• Minister Mohammed Taufiq Johari said on 15 October that the permanent Harimau Malaya coaching role has not been decided and talks are continuing.
• FAM president Ab Ghani Hassan said there have been no talks with or official approach to Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu.
• Tan Cheng Hoe remains interim coach after leading Malaysia to an unbeaten third place at the FIFA ASEAN Cup.
• Malaysia play friendlies against China and Yemen in Guangzhou on 14 and 17 November.

FAQ

Has Hajime Moriyasu been appointed Malaysia coach? No. FAM says it has not held talks with him or made an official approach, and the minister says the matter is still under discussion.

Who is coaching Harimau Malaya now? Tan Cheng Hoe is the interim head coach. He took over after Peter Cklamovski resigned in June 2026.

When do Harimau Malaya play next? They face China on 14 November and Yemen on 17 November in friendlies in Guangzhou.

Sources: Bernama, tvOnenews, Suara.com, Berita Harian