It was an unpleasant experience, and one Datuk Ng Chin Chai is happy to put behind him.
The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) vice-president admitted to being a victim of character assassination after former world No. 1 Roslin Hashim said Ng, and BAM general secretary Datuk Kenny Goh, were the reasons for Malaysia’s decline in the sport.
Roslin said this and more on his Facebook account on Jan 19, 2022.
“After Roslin made the uncalled for, and below-the-belt comments, I received numerous messages on my social media accounts,” said Ng, after his defamation suit against Roslin was settled amicably at the Kuala Lumpur High Court today.
“There were many private messages in my inbox. I did not read the comments posted publicly, but how can I avoid those sent to me personally? Kenny also faced the same issue.
“I know some even posted the video on YouTube and TikTok, but what affected me were the messages sent to me. I had to shrug them off and do my best for the sport.”
Ng said that when he and Kenny decided to file the defamation suit against Roslin, they did so quietly, as they did not want to escalate the issue.
Ng and Goh were represented by Datuk Seri Dr Jahaberdeen Mohamed Yunoos.
“What he said was character assassination. Like Kenny said last week, we are open to constructive criticism, but do not hit us below the belt,” said Ng, referring to Goh and Roslin settling their defamation suit amicably at the Kuala Lumpur High Court a week ago.
“I teach my children the same values. Do not attack people (verbally). Get your facts right before you speak out,” said Ng, a lawyer.
“With Malaysia Day just around the corner, I hope we can close ranks and resume being one badminton family. We must work together to find new talent.”
Ng, who is also the national body’s development committee chairman, said he hopes the cases will open the eyes of others, that criticism must be based on facts.
“Stick to the truth and the facts. We all want what is best for badminton.”
At the High Court, Roslin read out his statement of unconditional apology in open court, presided by Judge Datuk Ahmad Shahrir Mohd Salleh.
“I regret my statements that caused problems and difficulties for Datuk Ng Chin Chai. I am aware that what I said damaged his reputation and good name as a lawyer and officer of the BA of Malaysia,” said Roslin.
“I am also aware that I have humiliated Datuk Ng Chin Chai using abusive words that were baseless.
“I again apologise to Datuk Ng Chin Chai and hope this apology will clear his good name and restore our professional, and personal relationship.
“I promise never to repeat those slanderous and offensive statements, or any similar abusive words in the future,” he added.
