PETALING JAYA: The Youth and Sports Ministry does not have the power to interfere in the affairs or policies of Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM), says Datuk Seri Ti Lian Ker.
The Deputy Youth and Sports Minister, however, said they were able to interfere only if there were issues raised or being extended to the ministry through the Malaysia Sports Commissioner.
Ti acknowledged that the decision of the two national shuttlers, Lee Zii Jia and Goh Jin Wei, to turn independent had grabbed the attention of badminton fans not just in Malaysia but also the world.
“The ministry, together with BAM, has long-term and detailed plans as well as a large investment and high commitment to create athletes of international standing.
“This investment includes the government’s commitment and the role of the National Sports Association as well as the continuity in sponsorship to ensure that the development programmes of athletes from the grassroots to international level can be planned and implemented smoothly,” he explained when replying to a question raised by William Leong (PH-Selayang).
Leong asked the reasons why BAM prevented its athletes from turning professional and participating in international competitions.
Recently, Lee and Goh left BAM to turn independent, resulting in them being penalised.
Their issues, however, were resolved following the ministry’s intervention.
Ti noted that athletes going independent or turning professional would affect the objectives of a national sports association and the early and original planning of the athletes.
“This will have a huge impact on the national sports associations where it will create conflict between the sport body, the athletes and the sponsors,” he said, adding that there would also be legal implications involved.
He also hoped that national sports associations in the country would be able to refine and streamline their agreements between athletes, sponsors and relevant parties in the interest of sports development and athletes’ needs.