It has been over a week since the BAM-Lee Zii Jia (李梓嘉) feud started brewing. However, it seems there may be light at the end of the tunnel.
Plenty of parties have been urging both groups to resolve the issue amicably. This includes badminton legend Datuk Lee Chong Wei. Thankfully, gears are finally starting to move. Zii Jia has submitted an appeal on the ban and BAM will be having a meeting with the former ace to discuss the issue.
There’s no denying that Zii Jia and BAM’s actions have affected their image. Many have flocked to Zii Jia’s defence with petitions and encouragement. However, BAM has been taking a myriad of blows. In addition to rancid online comments, there has also been a petition calling for the resignation of BAM’s president Mohamad Norza Zakaria, the Secretary-General Kenny Goh and the Vice President Jahaberdeen Mohamed Yunoos.
“BAM has been abusing its power again and again by terminating careers of high-potential players pre-maturely, and by imposing unreasonable bans on world-class players which have seriously jeopardised the sport we all love,” the petition cites. “We should stand up to the tyrants in BAM who are destroying the sport of badminton in Malaysia.”
The explicit blaming hasn’t gone unnoticed by BAM. Yesterday (24th January), the association released a statement on their socials addressing the issue. They acknowledged the criticism and disappointment thrown their way but stressed that they were merely following official procedures.
“However, it is important to note that this decision is not without avenues of appeal,” they said. Additionally, BAM then confirmed that Zii Jia had handed in an appeal letter yesterday and that they are looking into the matter. “BAM is here to protect not only the sport, but the players, values and standards that best represent our beloved country,” they ended.
BAM isn’t the only one hoping to resolve the mess. Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal has stepped in to mediate between the two parties. The minister reportedly met with both Zii Jia and Goh Jin Wei (吴堇溦) yesterday to understand their side of the issue.
“The situation is complicated but not impossible to settle,” Ahmad Faizal told the Vibes. He added that speaking to Zii Jia had only proved he was still very dedicated to badminton. “After my conversation with Zii Jia, I believe the situation will be resolved soon. As long as we are all on the same page when it comes to national interest, we can move forward as one,” he stated.
The minister and Zii Jia will be meeting BAM sometime today (25th January) to discuss the issue with them. However, the meetings will supposedly be held separately. Additionally, there has been no news from Jin Wei about her part in the matter.
We can only hope for a favourable situation for our two formal national players. After all, both have notably given their all to lift Malaysia’s name globally.
Sources: Twitter, The Vibes, change.org, New Straits Times, Facebook
