National singles player Lee Zii Jia has sent an appeal letter to the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) regarding its decision not to register him for any international tournament for two years.
Last Friday, BAM announced that it had taken that move after Lee and another shuttler, Goh Jin Wei, resigned from the National Training Centre.
BAM deputy president and legal advisory committee chairman Datuk Seri Jahaberdeen Mohamed Yunoos had then said: “Clause 7 of their contract allows BAM not to register them for tournaments if they leave us.”
Lawyer Nik Erman Nik Roseli, who specialises in commercial and sports law, told Twentytwo13 that the clause in the contract between BAM and the athletes was against the Malaysian Contracts Act, 1950.
Lee submitted his resignation letter on Jan 11, and his ‘ban’ started on Jan 18, 2022.
Goh, who now plays for KLRC Bhd, meanwhile, will only be able to return to action on Oct 31, 2023.
BAM issued a statement today that said it has an established set of processes and procedures that must be followed.
It added that the actions by the BAM Council were based on these procedures, with the information presented to them.
“However, it is important to note that this decision is not without avenues of appeal,” read the statement.
“Within the history of our institution, all players have the right to appeal the decisions made by the council. BAM takes this appeal into full consideration.
“As the custodian of national badminton, we are looking into the matter with great urgency to find an amicable resolution.
“BAM is here to protect not only the sport, but the players, values and standards that best represent our beloved country.”
Meanwhile, both Lee and Goh met Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu in Kuala Lumpur this evening.