Yeoh congratulates Chong Wei on BAM appointment
She added that his presence in the council was a moment she has looked forward to since she began her term as minister in 2022.
"I believe Datuk Seri Lee Chong Wei has much to contribute to the development of badminton in Malaysia and he shouldn't just be at the fringes of BAM.
"His presence has helped us in the National Sports Council and the Road to Gold (RTG) programme, which I deeply appreciate, but I'm optimistic that when a former athlete leads in a national sports association, it will spur excitement, instill confidence and accuracy in decisions and policies of the association," she posted on Facebook.
BAM president Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz had previously announced Chong Wei's appointment along with three corporate figures, Employees Provident Fund director Tan Sri Gooi Hoe Soon, former NTV7 chief executive officer Datuk Seri Shazalli Ramly and lawyer Datuk Sunil Abraham, as new BAM council members.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
8 hours ago
- The Star
Bittersweet farewell for Jan Jireh after surprise final run
PETALING JAYA: Independent men's singles shuttler Lee Jan Jireh (pic) is taking the tough decision to retire from the sport due to lack of funding. Jan Jireh proved his potential when he unexpectedly finished runner-up to fellow Malaysian Eogene Ewe in the Malaysian International Challenge in Ipoh yesterday, but it turned out to be a bittersweet outing for the 20-year-old, who has been forced to call it quits right after the tournament. The youngster, who was dropped from the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) last year and currently ranked No. 354 in the world, stunned several higher ranked players like fellow Malaysian Ong Zhen Yi (No. 109), India's Manraj Singh (No. 66) and Mithun Manjunath (No. 130) en route to the final. Jan Jireh nearly pulled off another upset in the title match before going down fighting 15-8, 7-15, 13-15 to world No. 80 Eogene at the Arena Badminton Perak. 'I really like to continue playing badminton but I am forced to retire due to lack of funding,' said Jan Jireh. 'Currently, I hardly have any time to train as I have to coach 10 hours a day to make money to travel and compete in tournaments. 'I can only train three days in a month. I am coaching freelance state players in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor. 'Travelling for competitions is very expensive and I just cannot continue like this,' added Jan Jireh. However, the Penang-born Jan Jireh would consider continuing his playing career if he manages to get sponsors. 'I will definitely continue playing if I can get sponsors. If not, I will just continue coaching,' said Jan Jireh. 'I will be inconsistent if I cannot train regularly and if I were to play, I want to become better.' Meanwhile, for Eogene, it was his second senior title after his maiden win in the Slovenian Open in May.
The Star
8 hours ago
- The Star
Woon: It would be special to see Pearly-Thinaah in Paris final
Mission possible: Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah have received a bye in the first round and will likely play Hong Kong's Lui Lok Lok-Tsang Hiu Yan in the second round. PUCHONG: As Malaysians gear up to celebrate Merdeka Day on Aug 31, all eyes will be on women's doubles pair Pearly Tan and M. Thinaah as they chase history at the World Championships in Paris. The duo, who embody Malaysia's unique multicultural spirit, are hoping to gift the nation its first-ever women's doubles medal at the prestigious event. Former international Woon Khe Wei, who once trained with them at the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM), believes their breakthrough could not come on a more meaningful day. 'It would be truly special to see Pearly–Thinaah in the final on Merdeka Day. If they succeed, they will inspire many young Malaysians of all backgrounds to pick up badminton,' said Khe Wei at the launch of her sports academy in Puchong. 'I'm really looking forward to seeing them perform well in Paris. 'They have been quite consistent this year and hopefully, they can win Malaysia's first medal in women's doubles in the world meet.' No women's doubles pair from Malaysia have ever won a medal in the world meet before this. Pearly-Thinaah have been in fine form this year, capturing the Thailand Open and finishing runners-up in the Japan Open, Indonesian Open and Indonesian Masters. Their consistent showings saw them rise to a career-high No. 2 in the world last month. Pearly-Thinaah became the first Malaysians in the women's doubles to reach No. 2 since Chin Eei Hui-Wong-Pei Tty, who became world No. 1 in 2009. Khe Wei, who went as high as No. 9 with Vivian Hoo, is thrilled to see her juniors surpass her own achievements. 'I'm happy to see Pearly-Thinaah become so much better than me and Vivian,' said Khe Wei. 'This is also good because not many women players in Malaysia have done well. I like their style of play as well.' Khe Wei also has some advice for Pearly-Thinaah before they head to Paris. 'They need to be confident but at the same time, they cannot afford to take any match easily. 'They have to focus on every match. I think physically and mentality-wise, they will be well-prepared.' Pearly-Thinaah have received a bye in the first round and will likely play Hong Kong's Lui Lok Lok-Tsang Hiu Yan in the second round. Joining Pearly-Thinaah in Paris are world No. 18 Teoh Mei Xing-Go Pei Kee. The pair have also been given a bye in the first round and could face world No. 19 Bulgarian sisters Gabriela Stoeva-Stefani Stoeva for a place in the third round.
The Star
8 hours ago
- The Star
Chong Wei bowled over by Tengku Zafrul's detailed five-year badminton development plan
Convinced: Datuk Seri Lee Chong Wei finally agreed to return to BAM as an independent council member after seeing the comprehensive five-year plan called 'Tangkis 2030'. PETALING JAYA: It was never easy trying to lure Datuk Seri Lee Chong Wei back into the fold of the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM). For years since his 2019 retirement, the nation's greatest shuttler kept a respectful distance, politely turning down repeated offers to rejoin the body, preferring instead to contribute on his own terms. But on Saturday, BAM president Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz finally achieved what no one else could. So what made him have a change of heart? It was the detailed blueprint called 'Tangkis 2030' that was unveiled by Tengku Zafrul during the council meeting on Saturday. The five-year-plan details BAM's ambitions, covering not just the elite squad but the entire badminton ecosystem. And it convinced him to return as an independent council member. 'To be honest, I was surprised at how detailed his long-term plan is,' said Chong Wei when contacted. 'This is the first time I've seen a BAM president with such a roadmap. In less than 100 days, he's presented a clear vision, and I can see he is sincere about lifting Malaysian badminton. 'Even while still serving as MITI (Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry) Minister until the end of the year, he has worked hard to put this plan together and engaged with all stakeholders to ensure his vision can be carried out 'That is why I've agreed to use my knowledge and experience to help him and Malaysian badminton,' said the 41-year-old legend. 'In the past, many people had asked me to come back to BAM, but I feel that the plan drawn up by Tengku Zafrul is one that covers many aspects,' said Chong Wei. 'Tangkis 2030' is built around five key missions: reclaiming the Thomas Cup by 2026, winning Olympic gold at Los Angeles 2028, producing world No. 1s in at least three events, ensuring a sustainable pipeline of champions, and driving badminton as a pillar of a healthier Malaysia. A flagship programme, 'Road to Thomas Cup', targets ending Malaysia's 34-year drought in Horsens, Denmark, next year. To strengthen BAM's foundations, Tengku Zafrul has also roped in three other heavyweights: former NTV7 and Celcom CEO Datuk Seri Shazalli Ramly (branding and marketing), Tan Sri Gooi Hoe Soon (finance), and Datuk Sunil Abraham (legal).
