KUALA LUMPUR — Two months since it was first reported, there is still no resolution to the contract standoff between Malaysia’s top women’s doubles pair, Pearly Tan and M. Thinaah, and the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM).
Admitting that prolonging the matter sets a bad precedent, Malaysian badminton legend Datuk Lee Chong Wei also warned that it may affect younger shuttlers at the Akademi Badminton Malaysia (ABM).
“I agree — prolonging the matter sets a bad precedent because Pearly and Thinaah, like Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik (men’s doubles), as well as Chen Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei (mixed doubles), are now icons of Malaysian badminton,” said the three-time Olympic silver medallist when contacted by Scoop.
“Younger players look up to them. If this matter goes on for too long, then what is the message being sent to them?”
Chong Wei also admitted he is puzzled as to why the issue is taking so long to resolve.
For context, Scoop first reported in April that the world No. 3 pair were exploring the possibility of turning independent. It was understood that Pearly and Thinaah were seeking better remuneration, in line with BAM’s top earners, believed to be around RM2 million annually.
BAM later confirmed that the former French Open champions remain the only players who have yet to sign new contracts, after their previous deals expired in December 2024.
It was reported that BAM had made an offer in January and planned to hold one final round of talks after the Indonesia Open.
However, sources close to Pearly and Thinaah told Scoop that the duo were ready to sign new contracts during the Thailand Open last month — yet there has been no update since.
“Unlike during my time, players today have the best of everything,” said Chong Wei.
“In terms of support and facilities, BAM provides the best. On top of that, they have Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh, who works hard to give them an edge through initiatives like the Road to Gold (RTG) programme.
“Now with a new BAM president, Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz, I’m confident he wants what’s best for the players too. So what’s dragging the issue?”
Chong Wei, who is also an RTG committee member and sits on the National Sports Council (NSC) board, hopes the matter can be resolved soon.
After an impressive run on the World Tour — winning the Thailand Open, reaching the semi-finals of the Malaysia Masters, quarter-finals at the Singapore Open and finishing runners-up at the Super 1000 Indonesia Open — Pearly and Thinaah are currently back in training ahead of the Super 750 Japan Open next month.
It is clear the ball is now in the players’ court — and a decision must be made soon. — June 17, 2025