From being dismissed as “Awek mana ntah” (some lady… don’t know where she’s from) to receiving an apology from the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM), Mutiara Bahir has been breaking new ground as the general secretary of Pahang Rangers FC.
Mutiara began her career in fashion design before becoming a talent manager for actor Aedy Ashraf. Her football journey started in 2018, when Aedy asked her to assist with his club, Challo FC. Initially a temporary role, running a football team quickly turned into a passion.
Fast forward to 2021, Mutiara contacted FAM’s legal department regarding a matter. To her shock, she overheard the staff on the other end remark to a colleague, “Awek mana entah” was calling.
“I was furious and tweeted about it using Challo FC’s handle, wanting to change the perception of women in football,” she said during the Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion session at the Sports Law Association of Malaysia’s Game Changers: Legal Evolution in Sports Conference on Oct 24.
“Just because I’m a female doesn’t mean I don’t understand football. It doesn’t matter who’s calling – young or old, male or female – when someone contacts the national body with a legitimate query, they deserve to be taken seriously.”
Her outspoken response led to an apology from FAM. “It’s important because it showed that FAM realised they couldn’t dismiss women’s views,” she added.
Armed with a Master’s in Sports Management and Legal Skills from FC Barcelona’s ISDE Digital Law Business School, Mutiara later applied for the general secretary position at Pahang Rangers FC, only to be rejected. However, a week later, she received a call for a second interview.
“I was hesitant – the rejection letter implied I was unqualified compared to the four male candidates. But after our chat, I got an offer letter. I started in December 2021, and it has been the best experience of my career. It taught me not to let gender biases stand in the way,” said Mutiara, who is also the founder of Women In Football Malaysia.
Never one to rest on her laurels, Mutiara pursued additional credentials, earning a Diploma in Management of Olympic Sport Organisation from Olympic Solidarity, and recently completing a module in Football Management and Finance at Birkbeck College, University of London.
“To survive in football, I must be better qualified and stay ahead of the competition,” said Mutiara, who grew up supporting Pahang at Stadium Darul Makmur with her father. “Football is in my blood, but I never dreamed I’d be a general secretary of a club.”
Reflecting on her journey, Mutiara encourages women in football: “Attitude is key. Always be positive, stop complaining, and keep enhancing your qualifications.”
Also at the conference with Mutiara were Malaysian Olympians Association president Noraseela Khalid and Paralympic Council Malaysia secretary-general First Admiral (Rtd) Datuk Subramaniam Raman Nair.
Subramaniam discussed the “We are 15” campaign, aimed at raising awareness about disability. “It’s a global movement to end discrimination toward people with disabilities. In Malaysia, while 15 per cent of the population has some form of disability, only 700,000 hold disability cards. This campaign helps people understand they can, and should, seek help.”
Noraseela highlighted the lack of support for women’s sports and youth engagement. “At the recent Malaysia Games, there was hardly anyone watching. We need to encourage youngsters to be involved, recognise local athletes, and see sports as a unifying force for the country.”