PUTRAJAYA: Datuk Misbun Sidek is expected to give a positive response in the near future pertaining to his resignation as the national singles coach, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek said.
PEP TALK: Misbun giving tips to Lee Chong Wei during the recent Asian Games. — Bernama photo
He said he made the conclusion based on a meeting between him and Misbun last night where the coach showed openness on the matter.
“I believe that the matter can be resolved in the near future. It depends on all quarters looking at this in an open and calm manner and not emotional, and putting the country’s and the sport’s interests first,” he told reporters after flagging off and participating in the “Ride for Gaza” charity cycling event, here yesterday.
He also hoped that a closed-door meeting can be held between Misbun and the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) before making any further media statement to prevent any misunderstanding.
Ahmad Shabery said that in any conflict, it was important for all parties to be mindful of the feelings of others, or else there would be no end to it.
“Creating a pool of world-class players cannot be done in one or two years.
It should be based on a strong foundation, built over the years. But if we allow emotions to get the better of us, what we have built over the years can collapse in just a short period.
“And it will take a long time to rebuild it because the people may doubt whether the institutions or parties taking care of the sports actually have the interest of athletes or the country at heart,” he said.
Misbun, who had been training national singles player Datuk Lee Chong Wei since six year ago, resigned from the post on Dec 31 reportedly due to dissatisfaction over the new training structure implemented by the BAM.
On the “Ride for Gaza” event, Ahmad Shabery said it was to show solidarity with the Gaza people.
“Over 1,000 people came to Putrajaya on bicycles to show their support for the programme,” he said. — Bernama