PLAYERS in the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) stable should feel a sense of responsibility and loyalty towards the national group which has nurtured and groomed their talent, a top official said.

BAM deputy president 1 V. Subramaniam said the association wants the best for its players and seeks only their commitment to the game.

“These days we feel that there is less loyalty among a few players. They are looking to make money.

“They (shuttlers) should understand that if they are not at the top, will they be chosen? They should realise who brought them to a high level?” he told The Malaysian Insight.

Subramaniam said that it was the hard work of BAM president Mohamad Norza Zakaria, the council and the state badminton associations that has produced these top players.

“So what are the returns or respect that is given back to BAM? Whatever we are doing is to only raise our national flag high.”

On January 11, national men’s singles ace Lee Zii Jia caused a stir when he announced he was quitting BAM to become a professional player.

On January 18, BAM suspended the 23-year-old 2021 All England champion, who ranks seventh in the world.

Following an public outcry and political pressure and several rounds of negotiations between the player and BAM, the suspension was overturned and Zii Jia was allowed to turn professional.

BAM had also suspended former world junior champion Goh Jin Wei for two years for prematurely leaving the national team. The suspension has since been lifted.

In the past, BAM had banned players such as Tan Chung Seang and Toh Ee Wei for quitting prematurely, although the latter rejoined the national set-up soon after being pardoned.

Outside influence

Subramaniam said there were certain parties who were persuading players to leave BAM to turn professional.

He said these parties were willing to sponsor the players and pay them more.

“They are willing to pay the players bigger amounts of money. That’s how they are trying to attract the players from BAM.

“Now, some players are tempted by more money, despite they being well looked after by BAM,” he said without identifying those certain parties.

He said the parties are targeting popular players.

“We are not benefitting from anything. If we keep producing (good players) and if they start leaving then what do we do?

“It’s not easy. We have to raise money to develop the players. So much time and effort goes into this.

“We develop them little by little until they become top players. Then they just run away like that?”

He said BAM could not prevent them from leaving, but all they hope is the shuttlers adhere to their contracts.

Subramaniam hoped BAM players would emulate former world number one Lee Chong Wei.

“When you talk about loyalty, Lee is a good example. He is a person to look at. With BAM he won big and also made money until he retired.

“We had helped him achieve success and he was all the way loyal to BAM.

“Previously, Lee was also approached, but he didn’t go. That’s all we expect from the players.”

Subramaniam said players had left in the past to turn professional with an understanding with BAM.

“The players who have left were towards the tail end of their careers. They asked to leave and we released them.

“We have let players such as mixed doubles Goh Liu Ying and Chan Peng Soon and others leave as our focus was more on the younger generation to bring them up.”

BAM has 113 shuttler in its stable, with 72 junior players aged 13 -17 and 41 senior players aged 18 and above.

Subramaniam said all the players are competing in all local and international levels.

He said the players in BAM are paid a salary and Norza has increased their benefits.

“The amount varies for each player depending on their world rankings. Some can get RM5,000 to RM15,000 per month which is for the senior players aged 18 and above.

“For junior level players, this can go up to RM5,000 and they also get EPF and medical benefits.

“Junior players from age 13 to 18 get an allowance ranging from a few hundred ringgit to RM2,000 per month.”

He also said that BAM also provided accommodation, meals, education, attire and equipment for the players.

“When they go for local or overseas tournaments, all expenses are borne by BAM. This includes flights and hotel stay. They also get a daily allowance of RM150 to RM250 depending on the country.”

Subramaniam added that when players participate in international tournaments, the all prize money goes to the players.

“BAM doesn’t take a single sen of the prize money. Sometimes we even give them some more money when they win major tournaments.” – January 31, 2022.