Good old times: Late Datuk Sidek Kamar looking at the bronze medals won by his children Razif and Jalani Sidek after they returned home from the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games
PETALING JAYA: Datuk Seri Jalani Sidek has called on the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) to accept the reality that Malaysian badminton is lagging behind other top countries.
Jalani, who attended a press conference with his brother Misbun Sidek on Monday (July 31), following the latter's dismissal as junior development director, did not pull any punches when criticising the national body over their decision to drop his elder brother for the poor performance of juniors at the Asian meet recently.
Misbun's contract runs until end of the year but the BA of Malaysia top brass told him to leave the set-up last Friday with immediate effect.
"For me, what happened is very sad because those who were supposed to be in charge only want publicity when the players win," said Jalani, who is also a member of BAM's technical advisory panel (TAP).
"But when they lose, they don't want to accept the reality that Malaysian badminton is far behind in terms of development.
"Have they ever sent experts to analyse what our rivals like China, South Korea and Japan have accomplished?
"Even India have progressed well with a strong club system and they have spent a lot of money on development.
"We don't have to be ashamed when other countries do better than us.
"But things must change in Malaysia (if we are to progress)."
