BAM Presidency: Al Amin denies involvement in 'gentleman's agreement'

In a statement issued here today, he said the decision to select a new leadership should be made by delegates attending the association's annual general meeting (AGM) expected in April this year.

"Over the last few days, I have been approached by many journalists seeking my comments on (BAM president) Tan Sri Tengku Mahaleel Tengku Ariff's statements as reported in the media on the BAM presidency.

"I have read letters issued by him, but I wish to clarify that I am not a party to the supposed 'Gentlemen's Agreement'. I appreciate Tengku Mahaleel's input in naming his successor as BAM president.

"However, the election of BAM leaders is in the hands of delegates attending the association's AGM, which comprises state badminton association heads," added Mohd Al Amin.

Earlier, the press statement was attached with an email and sent at 1.20pm, calling off his scheduled press conference at 2pm, at the Badminton Academy of Malaysia here citing health reasons.

Rumours are rife that outgoing president Tengku Mahaleel has issued a letter to the BAM council members last Thursday, on the said agreement which had a top brass from the youth and sports ministry as witness.

It is believed that through the 'Gentlemen's Agreement', Al Amin will be the acting president until the end of the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics while Datuk Seri Mohamad Norza Zakaria would take over as president from 2017.

Tengku Mahaleel who decided to 'rest' due to health reasons had already stated he would not be contesting for the post of president during the BAM election in April this year.

But it looks like BAM's two presidential candidates, Al Amin and Mohamad Norza will be involved in a tussle for the post of president although the 'Gentlemen's Agreement' had already stated the transition of powers and the process.

"Ever since my involvement in BAM over the last 20 years, the association has always found solutions of leadership transfers in an amicable and democratic manner.