KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian badminton legend, Datuk Seri Lee Chong Wei, has been appointed as one of the new Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) Council members, marking his return to the sport in line with BAM’s vision of making Malaysia a global badminton powerhouse.
BAM President, Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, said the appointment of Lee along with three other prominent figures was approved by council members during the meeting today.
The other three new council members are branding and media strategist and former CEO of NTV7 and Telekom Malaysia, Datuk Seri Mohammed Shazalli Ramly; a member of EPF’s investment panel and board, Tan Sri Gooi Hoe Soon; and partner of Cecil Abraham & Partners, Datuk Sunil Abraham.
“They have agreed. They are independent. I can appoint five but we appoint four first with the consultation with the council members. Right now he’s (Chong Wei) put on the council first.
“Once we finalise the committee, logically, if we should put the council members and all the council members including the independent ones where they can contribute the most. So, if you think you can contribute on performance, we should put him in performance,” he said.
Tengku Zafrul said this at his first council meeting at the Akademi Badminton Malaysia today, where earlier BAM received a Perodua Aruz multipurpose vehicle.
He added that the committees are expected to be finalised by October in line with the next BAM Council meeting, but some decisions may be implemented earlier.
He also confirmed his proposal to streamline BAM’s committee structure for greater efficiency.
Tengku Zafrul earlier outlined five goals for the national body, with immediate targets including winning the 2026 Thomas Cup, capturing Olympic gold in 2028, and reaching World No.1 in three of five categories. – BERNAMA
