KUALA LUMPUR — The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) appears to be caught in a power struggle, with sources suggesting that an anonymous poison pen letter, which triggered a Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) probe, is part of an inside effort to tarnish reputations ahead of next year’s presidential elections.
The elections are expected to be held sometime between March and April next year.
A source told Scoop that the letter accused a high-ranking BAM official of receiving unauthorised allowances. However, the timing and nature of the allegations point to internal politicking.
“The tip-off seem to have been in the form of a poison pen letter,” the source said, suggesting the letter appears to have come from within the national body, as the BAM elections are due next year.
This letter, reportedly, is not similar to the one that went viral earlier this year, which accused the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) of misconduct, including abuse of power, misappropriation of funds, and issues surrounding the Harimau Malaya squad and the National Training Centre project.
Meanwhile, Scoop has learned that MACC has initiated an investigation on the BAM official under Section 23 of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009, which addresses abuse of power for personal or associate benefit. Allegations center on additional payments allegedly received without board approval.
On Sunday, Scoop broke the news that MACC officers had visited BAM’s headquarters in Bukit Kiara to review documents related to the claims.
In a statement this morning, BAM confirmed the visit and pledged full cooperation with the investigation.
“The BAM confirms that officers from the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) came to our office last week to request certain information.
“BAM extended its full cooperation during the visit, and the officers carried out their duties in a professional manner,” the statement read.
It is understood that acting president Datuk V. Subramaniam and secretary-general Datuk Kenny Goh have already provided their statements to the MACC. – December 3, 2024