KUALA LUMPUR – The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) today announced Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz as its new president.
He will take over from the current president Tan Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria after the incumbent steps down at the end of the year.
The badminton body added that the detailed timeline of Tengku Zafrul taking over the position will be discussed internally and announced at the next council meeting in December.
“The BAM council has unanimously agreed to elect Tengku Zafrul as its new president.
“Adding to that, we expect the election of Tengku Zafrul will be done in January 2024,” said Norza, who is also the Olympic Council of Malaysia president, at a press conference after BAM’s Council Meeting in Akademi Badminton Malaysia today.
Also present at the press conference were deputy presidents Datuk V. Subramaniam, Datuk Seri Jahaberdeen Mohamed Yunoos, general-secretary Datuk Kenny Goh and treasurer Datuk Michael Tang.
Norza said that the national badminton body has never had any crisis in leadership and has always held a transfer of power in a civil manner.
“We continue that tradition today after the council agreed unanimously with my suggestion to choose Tengku Zafrul as my successor.”
With worries that the technocrat does not have much experience in helming a national sports body, Norza said that BAM leadership is not just about the president.
“We are a professional body that is governed by council members at the highest level.
“We have two deputy presidents and a general-secretary who play a role in its governance.
“The president is merely a bridge to stakeholders like the government, and sponsors.
“With the dynamic and progressive leadership of Tengku Zafrul he is the right candidate to replace me,” added Norza.
Early last month Scoop broke the news that Tengku Zafrul is a front-runner for the post. Then earlier this month the senator stated his readiness to offer his expertise and support to other sports associations in the country. – October 14, 2023