KUALA LUMPUR – The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) has placed full confidence in Datuk Seri Lee Chong Wei to manage ongoing discussions with independent shuttler Lee Zii Jia over his participation in the upcoming Thomas Cup Finals.
Speaking to Scoop, BAM deputy president Datuk V. Subramaniam said the association has “entrusted” Chong Wei with the matter, emphasising that it was the right approach given the sensitive nature of the negotiations.
“We have entrusted Chong Wei to handle this issue. One person has to deal with it, and we believe he is the best to manage the discussions. We will wait for him to come back with updates,” Subramaniam said.
When asked about assurances from Lee Zii Jia’s camp, he remained measured, stating that BAM would not speculate or comment prematurely.
“At this stage, we cannot say anything until Chong Wei comes back to advise us. It is only fair to let him handle the matter,” he added.
Subramaniam also acknowledged that past negotiations with the player had included various conditions, but he insisted that any decisions moving forward would be carefully managed by Chong Wei.
“Sometimes Zii Jia’s team presents their own conditions, as we have seen in previous editions. That is why we have left it entirely to Chong Wei,” he explained.
Asked if BAM might intervene directly, Subramaniam reiterated that the matter was in Chong Wei’s hands.
“I am not in a position to make any comment. All I can say is that he will deal with this situation,” he said.
On Friday, BAM performance committee chairman Chong Wei met Zii Jia at the Academy Badminton Malaysia in Bukit Kiara to discuss his potential involvement in the Thomas Cup Finals in Horsens, Denmark, from April 24 to May 3.
Chong Wei revealed that the 27-year-old had tabled several terms and requested a week to decide, with a final answer expected by Friday.
“There are several terms that we have discussed and we have already given our response to him. I have also discussed the matter with the BAM president (Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Aziz) and council members. We have a new management now, and we shall see what we can offer Zii Jia,” Chong Wei was quoted as saying.
He described the meeting as “smooth and constructive” but acknowledged that time is short as BAM finalises its squad list for submission to the Badminton World Federation.
Chong Wei believes Zii Jia’s inclusion would strengthen Malaysia’s men’s singles challenge, with the team expected to field four singles players and three doubles pairs in Horsens. – February 23, 2026