KUALA LUMPUR — Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) deputy president Datuk Seri Dr Jahaberdeen Mohamed Yunoos has yet to commit to contesting for the association’s top post, saying he is more focused on improving BAM’s operations for now.
“For the next two months, I think we should prioritise enhancing the quality and efficiency of work at BAM rather than focusing on the presidency race,” he said when met at Kuala Lumpur Badminton Association’s (KLBA) 2025 appreciation dinner last night.
Jahaberdeen, however, confirmed his intention to defend his current position as deputy president in BAM’s upcoming elections, set to take place at the annual general meeting in April.
“If you ask me today, I am more interested in working for badminton rather than thinking about running for the top post. But I do intend to defend my position as deputy president,” he added.
So far, BAM vice president and Putrajaya Badminton Association president Datuk Seri Khairudin Samad has expressed interest in contesting for the presidency, a position currently held by acting president Datuk V. Subramaniam.
The role has been vacant since former BAM president Tan Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria resigned last August.
Meanwhile, Jahaberdeen stressed that any new BAM president should focus on grassroots development and strengthening the country’s badminton ecosystem.
He emphasised the importance of continuing past presidents’ efforts, particularly in player and coach welfare and ensuring good governance within BAM.
Separately, he revealed that KLBA is in talks with Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to designate Arena Badminton DBKL Cheras as a permanent training venue for players.
“I hope this place will serve as a relatively permanent home. We’ve already spoken with DBKL and met with the Kuala Lumpur Mayor (Datuk Seri Dr Maimunah Mohd Sharif). InsyaAllah, she has agreed to consider our request,” he said.
The RM20 million complex in Taman Pertama, Cheras, boasts 12 courts, a multipurpose hall, a gymnasium, and a surau. — February 16, 2025