KUALA LUMPUR – Despite the ongoing contract standoff, which appears to be at an impasse, Pearly Tan and M. Thinaah are expected to remain under the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) after this week’s Thailand Open.
A reliable source told Scoop today that the world number four women’s doubles pair are prepared to sign new contracts with the national body upon returning from Bangkok.
“Based on media reports, it looks like the girls are on their way out, but I don’t think that’s the case,” the source said.
“This is the new norm – times have changed, and it’s common for players to negotiate. But BAM’s offer isn’t bad at all. Personally, I believe it’s in Pearly and Thinaah’s best interest to remain within the national setup.”
The source added that, given their age and current form, the duo would benefit from the structure and pressure that BAM provides – factors that could help elevate their performance further.
He warned that going independent might risk diminishing their motivation and hunger to succeed.
He even compared the situation to that of former world number one Datuk Lee Chong Wei, who remained under BAM throughout his illustrious career until retiring in 2019.
“I know it’s tough, but Pearly and Thinaah can only get better under BAM. There’s that pressure to perform and the push to constantly improve.
“When you go independent, you call the shots. The coaches are on your payroll, and you decide how things are done. My fear is that this can take away some of that drive and discipline.
“I daresay that’s one reason why Chong Wei never went independent – he knew what he needed to stay at the top,” the source added.
While going independent is no longer uncommon, Lee Zii Jia became the first high-profile Malaysian shuttler to leave BAM at the peak of his career in 2022.
Since then, he has been crowned Asian champion and won a bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Last year, top men’s doubles pair Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin Rumsani also left BAM. They now enjoy a career-high world ranking of number two.
Scoop first reported in April that Pearly and Thinaah were considering going independent.
It is understood that the 2022 French Open champions had sought salaries on par with BAM’s top earners – reportedly around RM2 million annually.
Yesterday, following the appointment of Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz as BAM’s new president, deputy president Datuk V. Subramaniam confirmed that BAM had approved plans to disclose player earnings in the interest of transparency, where necessary.
BAM has also drafted new policies to ensure greater accountability, including provisions to review contracts of players who underperform. – May 11, 2025