KUALA LUMPUR (March 25): National badminton legend Datuk Lee Chong Wei is confident that Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, who has been nominated for the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) president's post, has the competency to take the sport to a higher level.

Chong Wei said the BAM is very fortunate that Zafrul, who is also the minister of investment, trade and industry, accepted the nomination because it is not easy to convince someone of such a high calibre and reputation to helm the governing body.

"Zafrul can lead BAM. He is an experienced minister who also possesses vast experience in the corporate field, having been with CIMB Group [Holdings Bhd] (KL:CIMB) and Maybank Investment Bank before.

"It's not easy for BAM to find the best candidate, and for Zafrul to agree [to be nominated]. He also enjoys sports, and I hope he can bring badminton and Malaysian sports to a higher level in the future,” Chong Wei said when contacted by Bernama on Tuesday.

Earlier, BAM acting president Datuk V Subramaniam announced that the majority of its council members had reached a consensus to nominate Zafrul as their next boss.

Subramaniam stressed that the nomination highlights the need for strong and stable leadership to propel the association forward.

The BAM’s election is expected to take place on May 10 during its annual general meeting (AGM).

Zafrul posted on X on Tuesday that he was touched by the recognition from the BAM, who nominated him as their next president for the 2025-2029 term.

Zafrul, who accepted the nomination, also thanked the BAM for the trust bestowed upon him to lead the association.

Previously, Zafrul was close to being appointed as the BAM president to replace Tan Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria, who initially planned to step down early last year.

However, Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh Tseow Suan requested Mohamad Norza to reconsider and remain in office until after the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Following the conclusion of Paris 2024, the BAM decided to appoint Subramaniam as the acting president until the AGM this May.

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Anwar gives Zafrul green light to helm Badminton Association of Malaysia

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