KUALA LUMPUR – Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz has been elected president of the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) for the 2025–2029 term, effective today, succeeding Tan Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria.
The unanimous decision was made during BAM’s 80th Annual General Meeting today, with Tengku Zafrul expressing gratitude for the trust placed in him by the council.
“Syukur, I am thankful for the trust and mandate from the BAM council to elect me as the new president,” said the Investment, Trade and Industry Minister.
“It’s a big honour, and I will do my best with dedication to see badminton rise and attain the (highest) standard.”
Scoop first reported in August 2023 that Tengku Zafrul was the frontrunner to replace Norza, who was originally expected to step down at the end of that year. However, Norza extended his tenure to steer the national body through the Paris 2024 Olympic cycle.
On March 25 this year, Scoop reported that he had been formally nominated for the post — a move he welcomed, thanking BAM for their confidence.
Speaking at the press conference after today’s meeting, Tengku Zafrul said he would lean on his professional background to enhance the organisation’s governance both domestically and internationally.
He also thanked former president Norza and deputy president Datuk V. Subramaniam — who won re-election — for laying a strong foundation for the sport.
“They have laid a great foundation. Subra won re-election as deputy 1 and Jahaberdeen (Yunoos) as deputy 2,” he said. “Not an easy job, but I’m looking forward to working with everyone.”
Apart from Subramaniam, who won re-election, also securing their positions were BAM deputy president 2 Datuk Seri Jahaberdeen Mohamed Yunoos, secretary-general Datuk Kenny Goh, treasurer Datuk Teoh Teng Chor and assistant secretary-general Mohd Taupik Hussain.
The 51-year-old senator said his first priority is to engage with all levels of the badminton ecosystem before charting BAM’s direction.
“Give me 100 days to meet and have meetings with every stakeholder, players, coaches, state BAs and sponsors,” he said.
“Let me hear and understand the views and opinions, and even issues. This will be key for me to draw up a comprehensive plan and strategy, and vision.”
While acknowledging that every sporting body faces challenges, he believes collaboration will be crucial in pushing Malaysian badminton forward.
“I urge everyone — government, sponsors, fans, parents and even the media — to support BAM under this new leadership.” — May 10, 2025