Hannah condemns racist remarks by former BAM backup player

KUALA LUMPUR: Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh has strongly condemned the racial and religious remarks made by a former Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) backup player on social media recently.

Although the former player has since apologised, Hannah totally disagreed with the remarks made by the individual who was under the auspices of BAM in 2014 and is now reportedly not residing in Malaysia.

"I believe that religious worship has never interfered with the performance of athletes and sports. This has never been a problem in Malaysia," she said in a Twitter post today.

Accordingly, she once again reiterated her stand that sports must be free from any racial and political elements.

"All national athletes are a source of inspiration for the people and are advised to be careful with their respective social media content," she said.

The former player claimed in a video that the performance of the national players at the Malaysian Open 2023 was not up to the mark because BAM was managed by Malays besides touching on the sensitivities of Muslims.

Meanwhile, BAM in a Facebook post today also condemned the disgusting racist comments posted by the former player, who is apparently coaching in China at the moment.

BAM stated that they were absolutely appalled and will pursue the issue including sending an official complaint to the Chinese Badminton Association (CBA) and urge them to take necessary action against the individual.

"Such divisive comments have no place in society especially in our country and cannot be tolerated. Such a racist person should never be hired to work as a coach in a sport so loved by millions of people of all races and religions.

"BAM and all our affiliates will never accept such a person to be involved in badminton in Malaysia," it said.

-- BERNAMA