A 'Gentlemen's Agreement' has become a bone of contention in the Badminton of Malaysia (BAM), fueling speculation that a storm is brewing in the association's leadership.
Winds of change in store at the BAM, just like the Football Association of Malaysia?
According to a source close to the association, all BAM council members received a letter today reminding them of a 'Gentlemen's Agreement' between the association's top brass, as to who would replace president Tan Sri Tengku Mahaleel Tengku Ariff, who had decided to 'rest' due to his health condition in October 2015.
Rumours are rife that BAM's two presidential candidates Tan Sri Al Amin Abd Majid and Datuk Seri Mohamad Norza Zakaria would 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.
Tengku Mahaleel who had decided to 'rest' due to health reasons had already stated that he would not be contesting for the post of president during the BAM election in April this year.
It is believed that through the 'Gentlemen's Agreement' which had a top brass from the Youth and Sports Ministry as a witness, Al Amin would be the acting president until the end of the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics while Mohamad Norza would take over as president from 2017.
Tengku Mahaleel when enquired about the 'Gentlemen's Agreement' however, did not elaborate further.
"I do not want to make any comments about any individual, what I can say is we need to be gentleman. I will not be contesting and the new leadership would be through a 'Gentlemen's Agreement' process," he said.
Tengku Mahaleel said the individual who takes over as president must have a good working relationship with the National Sports Institute (ISN) and the National Sports Council (NSC).
Another very important requirement is that the new president must ensure BAM progressed and the performance of players improve.
He said the BAM cannot be proud of players who can only finish third or fourth in competition but have the determination and drive to finish at the top.
"When I took over the National team made it to the Thomas Cup final, so there was certainly a change. In sports there should always be changes but we cannot be satisfied with third or fourth placing," he said.
Malaysia made it to the final of the Thomas Cup in 2014 but lost to Japan but in 2016 failed to make it to the final and finished fourth behind Denmark, Indonesia and South Korea.
The spat between BAM Technical Director Morten Frost Hansen and National badminton ace Datuk Lee Chong Wei could add spice to the forthcoming tussle. -- Bernama
Bernama
Thu Feb 16 2017
Is winds of change in store at the BAM, just like the Football Association of Malaysia? - FILEpic
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.