KUALA LUMPUR — While Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz’s appointment as the new president of the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) is expected to bring financial stability to the national body, the real challenge lies in his ability to connect with the sport on the ground, said Datuk James Selvaraj.
James, a former national shuttler and former high-performance director with BAM, believes the organisation is in safe hands financially, given Tengku Zafrul’s track record in the corporate sector, including his former role as CIMB Group CEO.
“I have no doubt that Tengku Zafrul will improve BAM’s financial standings. Dealing with sponsors and securing new ones should be chicken feed for him, given his vast experience in the corporate world, and now as a cabinet minister,” James told Scoop.
“However, the real challenge will be for him to go to the ground and understand what exactly the sport needs. He will need to hear the staff, the coaches, the players and even ex-internationals for input.”
Tengku Zafrul, who is also Investment, Trade and Industry Minister, was elected unopposed as BAM president on Saturday during the national body’s council meeting and 80th Annual General Meeting at the Akademi Badminton Malaysia in Bukit Kiara.
He succeeds Tan Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria, whose two-term tenure saw the emergence of world champions Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik, as well as Olympic and Asian Championships medallists.
James acknowledged that Norza had set a high benchmark during his time at the helm and believes Tengku Zafrul has rightly asked for 100 days to consult all stakeholders before outlining his vision and roadmap for BAM.
“That is why he has asked for 100 days to speak to everyone. He may know about badminton, but now will be the time for him to understand the technical side of the game and see what else is needed to bring Malaysian badminton to the next level,” James said.
“Personally, I feel asking for 100 days is fair. It is still too early to pass any judgement or criticise — so let’s wait and see.”
Tengku Zafrul, in his first press conference as president, said he intends to meet all players, coaches, state associations and sponsors in the coming months to hear their views before drawing up a comprehensive plan for the sport’s future.
Datuk V. Subramaniam and Datuk Seri Jahaberdeen Mohamed Yunoos were also retained as deputy presidents in the new BAM line-up, which has been praised by outgoing president Norza for demonstrating maturity, unity and readiness to support fresh leadership. — May 12, 2025