PETALING JAYA: It’s in Datuk Misbun Sidek’s hands now.
Former men’s singles great Datuk Lee Chong Wei (pic) says the ball is in Misbun’s court after the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) offered the legend a way back into the national set-up to take up his old position as junior development director.
BAM president Tan Sri Norza Zakaria has apologised to Misbun and asked him to return after the latter’s contract which was supposed to end at the end of the year was terminated last week.
“Let’s give Misbun time to make a decision,” said Chong Wei in a press conference with Norza at the Academy Badminton Malaysia in Bukit Kiara on Wednesday.
“I hope this issue will be solved as soon as possible. BAM have done their best (in asking Misbun to return). Now we can only wait for Misbun to respond.”
Chong Wei, who was in the national team for 19 years and flourished under then men’s singles head coach Misbun, was moved to defend BAM for their role in his former coach’s sacking.
“I know netizens in social media have been quick to slam BAM,” said Chong Wei.
“Badminton is the main sport in Malaysia and even small issues are blown out of proportion.
“This is only exacerbated in the social media age.
“But I was in BAM for 19 years and I know the national body do their best for our athletes and coaches. It’s just that BAM can’t reveal everything that they are doing to the public as some things are sensitive.
“I’m sad to see these issues as BAM is my second home.”
