KUALA LUMPUR — Former Akademi Badminton Malaysia (ABM) junior development director Datuk Misbun Sidek has denied that his conflict with the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) led to president Tan Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria’s decision to step down by the end of the year.
“My issue with BAM has nothing to do with Norza’s decision (to step down). I believe Norza has his plans mapped out,” he said.
Last month, Norza announced that he would step down as president by the end of this year, stating that he already had several potential candidates to replace him as BAM chief.
However, many in the badminton fraternity believed that Misbun’s problem with BAM, after the termination of the former players’ contracts due to the failure of the junior players at the Asian Junior Championship in July, was the reason behind Norza’s decision.
At the same time, Misbun stated that Norza is still the right man to lead the national body, as he has excellently fulfilled his duties since taking office in 2017.
“It was sad to hear that Norza will step down at the end of the year. I don’t know why he wants to leave BAM.
“In my opinion, Norza is still relevant and competent to be the president. With him in charge, we managed to establish ABM and attract sponsors.
“Everything has been good in BAM under his leadership, and the only thing we need now is results,” he said in a press conference held today. — August 20, 2023