Pas questions claim Azlan Johar was dropped as 2026 World Cup commentator after joining party

SHAH ALAM – Pas has raised questions over claims that former national footballer Azlan Johar was sidelined from his duties as a sports commentator for the 2026 World Cup broadcast following the announcement of his membership in the party last Saturday.

Pas secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan expressed regret over reports that Azlan had been sidelined from his role as a sports commentator for the tournament's broadcast.

He said Pas wants to know whether the action, if true, is linked to Azlan’s decision to join the party, which was announced in Seremban on June 13.

“Pas hopes all relevant parties, including the Malaysian government and its agencies, will respect and not deny the fundamental rights of any citizen, including the right to association and political participation as guaranteed under Article 10 of the Federal Constitution,” he said in a statement on Monday.

Takiyuddin added that if the claim is true, the action not only denies an individual’s right to engage in politics but could also impact the country’s sports broadcasting scene.

He noted that Azlan has extensive experience in sports broadcasting and has served as a commentator and analyst for more than 10 World Cup editions throughout his career.

“Azlan Johar is not only a prolific striker for state and national teams during the 1980s, but he also holds a high-level football coaching licence and currently serves as Yayasan Lagenda chairman,” he said.

Meanwhile, Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) denied the claim that Azlan was taken off air due to his involvement with Pas.

Responding to Takiyuddin’s remarks, broadcasting director-general Ashwad Ismail said the allegation was baseless, as Azlan is still being given opportunities to appear in RTM’s official broadcasts for the tournament.

Last Saturday, Azlan was among 15 individuals announced as joining Pas during a pre-election public talk in Seremban. Also joining the party were former minister Zaid Ibrahim and former Negeri Sembilan exco Mohamad Rafie Malek.