KUALA LUMPUR: The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) has once again named Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz as the top candidate for the presidency ahead of its election in May.
During BAM’s council meeting on Tuesday (March 25), its members unanimously agreed to nominate Tengku Zafrul for the position.
"Following discussions with my colleagues and in consideration of what is best for BAM, I am pleased to inform you that the majority have reached a consensus to nominate YB Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul... for the presidency in the upcoming BAM elections," acting president Datuk V. Subramaniam told a press conference at the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) Academy in Bukit Kiara.
Subramaniam said Tengku Zafrul is seen as having the credibility needed to lead a major organisation like BAM while ensuring continuity from the leadership of former president Tan Sri Norza Zakaria.
"I want to see BAM grow as an organisation, not as individuals.
"When we looked at the bigger picture and carefully evaluated the situation, I agreed that only the right person should lead BAM. We are here to assist, and this is not about personal interests.
"With that in mind, I believe Tengku Zafrul is the right candidate to be BAM president.
"There must be continuity in BAM’s leadership. After Tan Sri Norza, we need someone of the same calibre or even better. On that basis, I have consulted the majority of my council members, and they have all agreed," Subramaniam added.
Zafrul, who is also Investment, Trade and Industry Minister, was previously proposed to take over the BAM presidency from Norza last year.
However, at the request of Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh, Norza was asked to remain in the role until the Paris Olympics campaign concluded.
