PETALING JAYA: Tan Sri Norza Zakaria has announced that he will step down as the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) president at the end of the year.
Norza, who is also the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) president, had initially planned to relinquish his position in BAM after the Paris Olympics in August 2024 but he felt the time was right for a suitable candidate to take over.
"I have identified some suitable candidates and will table it to the council to decide," said Norza.
Norza has helmed BAM since 2017.
He made the shock announcement in a press conference to clear the air surrounding the controversy of Datuk Misbun Sidek's removal as the national junior singles coaching director.
Misbun returned to BAM as the national singles coach in 2017 after being coaxed by Norza and the experienced coach was slighted by the dismissal as his contract was supposed to run until the end of 2023.
Norza came up with a solution, saying that Misbun would be offered to complete his contract and also guide his charges in the World Junior Championships in Washington from Sept 25-Oct 8.
"I wish to apologise on behalf of BAM for the miscommunication and I want to offer Misbun to guide his players for the World Junior Championships and also complete his contract that runs until the end of the year," said Norza.
"I have a special relationship with Misbun and have always had respect for him as a coaching legend," he said, adding he would find an amicable solution even if Misbun refuses the offer.
