Kuala Lumpur: National badminton legend Datuk Lee Chong Wei is confident that Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, who has been nominated for the Badminton Association of Malaysia’s (BAM) president’s post, has the competency to take the sport to a higher level. Chong Wei stated that BAM is fortunate that Tengku Zafrul, also the Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, accepted the nomination because it is not easy to convince someone with such a high calibre and reputation to helm the governing body.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Chong Wei emphasized Tengku Zafrul’s capability to lead BAM due to his experience as a minister and his substantial background in the corporate field, having been with the CIMB Group and Maybank Investment Bank. Chong Wei remarked on the challenge of finding the best candidate for BAM and expressed hope that Tengku Zafrul can elevate badminton and Malaysian sports in the future. BAM acting president Datuk V. Subramaniam announced that the majority of its council members had reached a consensus to nominate Tengku Zafrul as their next leader.

Subramaniam highlighted the nomination as indicative of the need for strong and stable leadership to advance the association. BAM’s election is scheduled for May 10 during its annual general meeting (AGM). Tengku Zafrul expressed his gratitude on X, touched by the recognition from BAM in nominating him for the 2025-2029 term as president.

Tengku Zafrul, who accepted the nomination, thanked BAM for entrusting him with the leadership of the association. Previously, he was close to being appointed as BAM president to replace Tan Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria, who initially planned to step down early last year. However, Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh requested Mohamad Norza to remain in office until after the Paris 2024 Olympics. Following the conclusion of Paris 2024, BAM decided to appoint Subramaniam as acting president until the AGM in May.