Misbun resigns from BAM

Misbun Sidek (photo), coach of the national men’s singles players for the Badminton Association of Malaysia, handed in his resignation by e-mail on December 31st, to become effective on January 3rd, a shock to Malaysian officials, who have been said to be surprised by Sidek’s move.

“Misbun did not state any reasons but said that his resignation will take effect from Jan 3. Personally, I am surprised with the letter. I have informed president Datuk Seri Nadzmi (Mohd Salleh) and secretary Ng Chin Chai. I have also forwarded the e-mail to all the exco members,” said Kenny Goh, Secretary General of BAM to the Star.

The Malaysian coach, who is known to be behind Lee Chong Wei’s success for the past years, has thus created quite a row just a few days before the Super Series Finals and two major Super Series events: their home Malaysia Open and the US$1.2 million Korea Open later on this month.  Lee is defending titles at all three events.

It is now feared by some that his resignation might have an influence on Lee Chong Wei’s decision to keep playing for BAM, but Kenny Goh remained optimistic about this possible threat and hinted that the resignation was first to be looked over by BAM President when returning from overseas :

“Misbun is a professional coach. He would have put much thought on his decision and putting national interest above all else. I doubt that this will take place.We cannot say that Misbun’s resignation will be a loss because we have not accepted his decision yet. Let Nadzmi and the exco look into it first.”