KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysian badminton legend Datuk Lee Chong Wei has urged fans and observers to give national singles coaching director Kenneth Jonassen time and support, as the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) works to rebuild its men’s and women’s singles strength.
While the national doubles department continues to flourish under Rexy Mainaky’s leadership — with Pearly Tan and M. Thinaah recently reaching the Japan Open final and other doubles pairs like Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik, as well as mixed doubles’ Chen Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei consistently among the world’s best — the same cannot be said for the singles discipline.
Since taking up the role at the start of the year, Jonassen has had a challenging brief.
Malaysia’s top men’s singles player Ng Tze Yong has been sidelined due to long-term injury, and former All England champion Lee Zii Jia had already gone independent prior to Jonassen’s arrival.
“We have to be fair to Kenneth,” said Chong Wei.
“He came in at a time when we didn’t have the players to challenge for major honours.”
Chong Wei acknowledged that the current pool of talent — including Leong Jun Hao, Justin Hoh and Eogene Ewe — has yet to make a breakthrough, while the women’s singles players remain a work in progress.
“Firstly, we need to admit that at the moment, we do not have the numbers,” he said.
“But I’ve met Kenneth and seen his plans. I believe in what he’s doing — it’s just not going to happen overnight.”
The three-time Olympic silver medallist believes BAM should give Jonassen at least two Olympic cycles to fully implement his plans.
“Personally, I believe Kenneth needs to be given at least two terms to see the difference he can bring,” Chong Wei said.
“For now, we just need to bite the bullet and focus on our grassroots.”
Chong Wei said he was encouraged by what he had seen at the Akademi Badminton Malaysia (ABM) and Bukit Jalil Sports School, with a few promising players around 16 or 17 years old.
“They need time to develop. We have the talent, but we also need to give them time,” he added.
The outlook for the short term, however, remains difficult. Tze Yong, who recently underwent ACL surgery at the famed Aspetar Hospital in Qatar, is expected to be out for at least another year, while Justin and Eogene are still trying to find consistency.
“More importantly, we must admit where we are at the moment in terms of the singles department, but let’s be fair to Kenneth,” Chong Wei said. — July 20, 2025