Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz is the new president of the Badminton Association of Malaysia, but the rest of the executive council of the national body remains unchanged.
This begs the question: Can Tengku Zafrul make the changes he wants after pleading to be given 100 days before announcing his vision?
In BAM’s 80th annual general meeting held at the Petronas Akademi Badminton Malaysia at Bukit Kiara, Kuala Lumpur this morning, Tengku Zafrul was elected unopposed to succeed Tan Sri Norza Zakaria, who stepped down after last year’s Paris Olympic Games.
But conspicuous from his absence at the AGM was Putrajaya BA president, Datuk Seri Khairudin Abd Samad. In January, Khairudin had offered himself as a candidate for the top post.
Tengku Zafrul, the Investment, Trade and Industry Minister, accepted he was stepping into the unknown and said: “Give me 100 days to meet all the stakeholders – players, coaches, administrators and to visit the state associations.
“I will announce my vision for BAM after I have met them, as then, I would have a clearer picture.”
When asked if having the same faces in the executive council is a help or hindrance, Tengku Zafrul smiled and said: “I will keep an open mind. I’m sure everyone here has good intentions and is here for the betterment of badminton, to take it to the next level.
“We will make whatever changes are needed to achieve our targets. We must all work together.”
Norza, who helmed BAM from 2017 until stepping down last year, said Tengku Zafrul was the best man for the job.
“We needed someone young, someone who has a background in corporate and being in government,” said Norza.
“He fit the criteria, and he will be able to help BAM with the sponsors.”
Separately, BAM deputy president Datuk V. Subramaniam said the association would hold discussions with women’s pair Pearly Tan and M. Thinaah over their future.
The duo has yet to sign contract extensions with BAM, as they are said to be unhappy with the offer.
Subramaniam said BAM doesn’t want to be held to ransom by players.
“They are away in Thailand now, but Datuk Kenny (Goh, BAM general manager) and I will speak to them when they return,” said Subramaniam, also Selangor BA president.
“The council unanimously agreed to stick to our offer, and we will inform Pearly and Thinaah. We can’t let players hold the association to ransom or we risk creating a disease.”
Subramaniam added that the council has also decided that moving forward, BAM may reveal all earnings of the national players.
“This happens in European football. Everyone knows what the players earn per week,” said Subramaniam
