NATIONAL badminton legend Lee Chong Wei does not intend to fill the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) singles coaching director post vacated by Wong Choong Hann.

The former world number one said he is not ready to take any full-time posts with BAM considering his responsibilities in the Road to Gold (RTG) programme and as a member of the National Sports Council (MSN).

“I will not accept (any post). I am not ready to hold this post (singles coaching director) as the post I am holding now is also not easy.

“For the time being, I have not thought of becoming any kind of coach, I am not ready for the BAM post,” he told Bernama.

Lee was commenting on the views of various parties including former national doubles player Tan Boon Heong who rooted for the former to take up the post. 

However, the three-time Olympic silver medallist said he was always ready to help BAM who had moulded him into a badminton legend.

Lee, who is a member of BAM’s technical advisory panel, said he will try to provide advice in an effort to improve the performance of national players.

“I will not forget my 19 years with BAM. If the association needs help, I must help, but only help with 100% at any time, and taking on a full-time post at BAM is not possible,” he said.

In the meantime, he advised BAM to find the right person to replace Wong as it is now the qualifying period for the 2024 Olympic Games.

Yesterday BAM was reported to have begun the process of finding a replacement for Wong, 46, who resigned as director of singles coaching last week, ending his nearly five-year tenure with the governing body. – Bernama, June 17, 2023.