KUALA LUMPUR – Independent shuttler Lee Zii Jia has yet to sign the letter of commitment (LoC) for the ongoing Road To Gold (RTG) programme, signalling possible reservations about the benefits of the initiative introduced by the Youth and Sports Ministry in June.
RTG was established to provide top-tier national athletes with the additional support needed to compete for gold in two Olympic cycles – the Paris 2024 and Los Angeles 2028 Games.
With Zii Jia currently ranked 11th globally, his delay in signing the LoC was highlighted by Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh, underscoring that he remains the only athlete among 15 who has not signed the commitment.
Speaking to Scoop, Malaysia’s first badminton Olympics medalist Datuk Razif Sidek expressed his perplexity at Zii Jia’s action.
“I honestly don’t understand why Zii Jia hasn’t signed the agreement, especially given the continuous support from the government through allowances,” he said.
“These allowances are intended to cover equipment expenses and other essential needs for all athletes within the programme.”
Razif acknowledged his lack of clarity regarding Zii Jia’s specific concerns with the RTG committee but emphasised the importance of transparent communication.
“If he’s dissatisfied with the allowance amount or feels the programme isn’t meeting his needs, it’s vital for him to engage with the committee instead of keeping them waiting.”
Highlighting Zii Jia’s lack of financial constraints and his capability to qualify for next year’s Olympics independently, Razif stressed the significance of professional courtesy.
“Even if he qualifies independently, Zii Jia should at least inform the committee of his intentions, after all the support they’ve provided despite his non-compliance with the agreement.
“And I don’t think he will face any repercussions from the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) if does that,” Razif added.
The bronze medalist from the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games, partnered with his brother Datuk Seri Jalani Sidek, praised the RTG programme as a laudable government initiative and urged Zii Jia to recognise the privilege of his participation.
“This is an excellent initiative by the Youth and Sports Ministry, and Zii Jia should acknowledge the government’s assistance.
“At the same time, it’s unfair for him to delay the signing process as he should respect the rules set by the RTG committee.”
Despite Zii Jia not holding a top 10 world ranking, the 25-year-old’s inclusion was based on his progress over the past four months.
However, the stipulated additional funds and allowances under the RTG programme would not be accessible until the agreement is signed.
RTG not only offers sports support, coaching, and competition exposure but also provides athletes with an additional monthly allowance of RM3,000.
Zii Jia’s recent success includes clinching his sixth World Tour victory at the Arctic Open and finishing as the runner-up in the Denmark Open. – November 3, 2023