TMJ slams "loser mentality" of those blaming JDT for Liga-M struggles

SHAH ALAM - The Regent of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Ismail expressed pride in Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) for being the only Malaysian club still competing in the Asian Champions League Elite (ACLE) and for its contribution to the AFC MA ranking.

As JDT's owner, Tunku Mahkota or also known as TMJ shared his disappointment that some individuals have called for JDT to withdraw from the Malaysian League (Liga-M), alleging that the club is the cause of the league's decline.

"We are the only club representing the country and Southeast Asia in the ACLE, contributing to the AFC MA ranking.

"People should be proud of that. But instead, some want us to leave the league and condemn it simply because they’re dissatisfied," he wrote in an InstaStory post on Wednesday.

JDT’s dominance in the ACLE continues after their 2-1 victory over Australian club Central Coast Mariners in a group-stage match at Central Coast Stadium, New South Wales, on Tuesday.

The win bolstered JDT's chances of advancing to the next round and pushed Malaysia ahead of Australia and Vietnam in the AFC MA ranking.

TMJ also took aim at those blaming JDT for the lack of support in Liga-M.

"Teams and their management have their own internal issues, yet they blame the league and governing bodies.

"If you fail to manage your funds, team planning, development and infrastructure properly, but instead choose to blame others, that’s a loser mentality and irresponsible," he said.