Former Football Association of Penang (FAP) vice-president Gary Nair is demanding that Zahrain Mohammed Hashim resign from his post as association president as the game has ‘deteriorated' to an ultimate low under his leadership.

penang penanti gary nair prm vice president interview 150409 01 Nair ( right ) said FAP affiliates have expressed surprise that Zahrain, the Independent MP for Bayan Baru, is running for the post of vice-president of FA Malaysia (FAM) at the upcoming congress as he had brought ‘shame' to Penang football.

He added that at least 60 percent of the 50 over clubs in Penang generally felt that Zahrain, who quit PKR in February, had ‘failed as an able leader'.

Nair lamented that never in the history of Penang football had the team failed to enter the Malaysia Cup competition.

"It has really been a while since Penang last won the prestigious trophy but to not make it to the Malaysia Cup competition is a disappointment," said Nair, who had previously been a manager of the Penang Super League side.

How low can you go?

The PRM vice-president expressed regret that under Zahrain's leadership, the state of affairs of Penang soccer has ebbed to its lowest.

"If to be demoted to the Premier League is not shameful enough for Penang, a state once known as a football powerhouse, not getting to play in the Malaysia Cup is a far bigger blow," he told reporters at a press conference in Penang yesterday.

NONE Criticisms rained on Zahrain ( left ) in the wake of Penang being demoted to the Premier League as the bottom-placed side in the 14-team Super League this season.

Sixteen teams - 12 of the 14 Super League sides and the top four from the Premier League, will be playing in this season's competition.

"The affiliates are urging Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng to step in to help restore the pride of Penang football," said Nair.

"Zahrain will have to step down as president. That is the right thing for him to do," he added.

According to Nair, Zahrain had told the FAP council last year that he would quit if Penang were relegated to the Premier League," he said.

Zahrain was not available for comment.