PUTRAJAYA: The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) has requested help from the Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek to resolve the controversy surrounding the resignation of national singles coach Datuk Misbun Sidek.
TOP MEETING: Youth and Sports minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek with Badminton Association of Malaysia president Datuk Seri Nadzmi Mohd Salleh after a meeting yesterday. — Bernama photo
Ahmad Shabery who met BAM President Datuk Mohd Nadzmi Mohd Salleh at his office yesterday said Nadzmi had requested the ministry to help resolve the issue that has plagued the local sporting arena since last Friday when Misbun emailed his resignation to BAM.
The minister said he would meet Misbun to get his side of the story but did not reveal the place and time for the meeting.
“Maybe tomorrow (today) or the day after I will issue an official statement with regard to the matter because I have to consider the feedback from both sides before making a decision,” he told reporters after the meeting with Mohd Nadzmi here yesterday.
Ahmad Shabery however, denied that he would act as a mediator between BAM and Misbun since both do not see eye-to-eye.
“I do not know that (Mohd Nazdmi and Misbun do not see eye-to-eye) but as the minister and representative of the government, I am responsible to resolve the situation because the government is the ‘provider of funds’ for the development of badminton in the country. This involves taxpayer’s money,” he said.
The minister also rejected any possibility that a new training and development system for badminton would be introduced.
Misbun, a former national champion, who was coaching Datuk Lee Chong Wei did not give a reason for his decision to quit, leading to various speculation among the badminton fraternity in the country.
Under Misbun’s guidance Chong Wei, the world number one, had won a number of titles, including the 2010 All England men’s singles title. — Bernama