Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad had announced his bid for the Kuala Lumpur Football Association (KLFA), underscoring his deep interest in the sport and his "merits".

This comes just a day after Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman urged lawmakers not to take on positions leading sporting associations in the country to prevent the possibility of political interference in sports.

Nik Nazmi, who is Setiawangsa MP, however, joins Batu Pahat MP and Dewan Rakyat deputy speaker Mohd Rashid Hasnon, who announced his bid to run for the KLFA top post last Monday.

When questioned over his decision contradicting the call made by the minister, Nik Nazmi stated that there should be no "blanket" measure, but rather each individual should be judged on merit.

"I agree that people who (try to get) into sporting associations but with interests other than that of the sport should not be welcomed.

"But these individuals are not only politicians but members of royal households, sports administrators and even former athletes.

"The point is, measure these individuals, not in a blanket manner but based on merit," he replied when contacted by Malaysiakini.

He added that among his first initiatives as Setiawangsa lawmaker was to work with youths to register with Setiawangsa Rangers FC to focus on grassroots developments and community football.

In a statement announcing his decision this morning, Nik Nazmi said that he reached the decision to contest in light of his "deep interest in football and the desire to fulfil KLFA's full potential in becoming a football association that is professional and with integrity".

Highlighting KL's past performance as league champions in the 80s and the birthplace of many football greats such as Azman Adnan, Safee Sali, Santokh Singh and former national coach K Rajagopal, Nik Nazmi stated that there was a need to develop new talents.

"Development of new talents must holistically incorporate grassroots development projects - sports science, exposure to young trainers and technical officers.

"Besides that, talents that are in the KLFA leagues and community clubs in Kuala Lumpur must be honed," his statement read.

In making his appeal in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday, Syed Saddiq advised MPs not to accept appointments as president or chairperson of existing sports associations.

"This may seem small but the implications are great," the minister said, adding that such a move could disrupt the ministry's allocation of financial allocations to an association based on merit and performance.