RTM denies ‘resting’ commentator who joined PAS

PETALING JAYA: Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) has denied claims that former national footballer Azlan Johar has been “rested” as a commentator for the 2026 World Cup broadcasts following his entry into PAS on Saturday.

Broadcasting director-general Ashwad Ismail said the allegation was baseless as Azlan did not have a contract to commentate on all 104 matches of the 2026 World Cup.

He told FMT that Azlan was invited as a guest commentator during RTM’s official coverage of the tournament, including for yesterday’s Brazil vs Morocco match.

“PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan announced on June 13 that Azlan had joined PAS, but yesterday, he appeared as a commentator for the Brazil versus Morocco match.

“RTM invited Azlan to be a commentator for that match, and RTM has the right to invite other guest commentators throughout the tournament.

“It is also the right of other individuals to appear as guest commentators for this World Cup edition,” he said.

He was responding to questions by Takiyuddin about whether Azlan’s alleged removal from RTM’s World Cup commentary team was linked to his political party membership.

Azlan was among 15 individuals who applied for PAS membership, alongside former minister Zaid Ibrahim and former Negeri Sembilan executive councillor Rafie Abdul Malek.

Others include former Ampangan assemblyman Rahimi Osman, a former aide to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, and Hamidah Othman, a former Bersatu vice-president.