Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) general-secretary Datuk Kenny Goh says he welcomes constructive criticism, as long as it does not hit below the belt.
Goh said this after his defamation suit against former world No. 1 Roslin Hashim was settled amicably at the Kuala Lumpur High Court today.
“Badminton is a sport followed by millions of people in Malaysia and around the world,” said Goh, who filed the suit in February, 2022.
“Everyone has the right to criticise me and BAM. We have never stopped anyone from voicing their opinion. That will continue even after this decision.
“I am used to criticism by the media and former players, but those were constructive, not malicious or slanderous accusations.
“Today, I feel vindicated… and bear no ill feelings towards Roslin.”
Goh said he would not have any issues working with Roslin. Both are in the BAM technical advisory panel (TAP).
TAP’s function is to “provide input, advice, and strategic guidance to the Board of Trustees and Management of Petronas Akademi Badminton Malaysia (ABM), to enhance player performance for the long-term strategic goal of podium performances at the Olympic Games, multi-sport events, and BWF World Tour tournaments”.
“The case has no bearing on Roslin’s position on the panel. His appointment was by the BAM council,” said Goh.
“We will not have any issues working together, as we have known each other for a long time.”
Besides Roslin, other former national players who are members of TAP are Datuk Lee Chong Wei, Ong Ewe Hock, Koo Kien Keat, Tan Boon Heong, Datuk Seri Jalani Sidek, and Datuk Cheah Soon Kit.
BAM president Tan Sri Norza Zakaria is the chair of the panel. Other members include outgoing National Sports Council director-general Datuk Ahmad Shapawi Ismail, Ahmad Faedzal Md Ramli, Datuk Teoh Teng Chor, Datuk Ng Chin Chai, and Datuk Dr Ramlan Abd Aziz.
At the High Court today, Roslin made an open apology in front of judge Roz Mawar Rozain, for defaming Goh.
“I, Roslin Hashim, apologise unreservedly, to Datuk Kenny for my defamatory remarks against him on my Facebook (Abe Lin) livestream on Jan 19, 2022,” said Roslin.
“I regret that my statement has defamed and hurt the reputation of Datuk Kenny, especially among local badminton fans. I also regret that my harsh remarks were baseless… they should not have been made.
“Again, I would like to apologise to Datuk Kenny and hope that this apology will clear his name and heal the personal and professional relationship between us.
“I promise I will never again repeat these hurtful remarks against Datuk Kenny.”
