MACC clears BAM, but report should be made public after citing ‘issues related to governance’
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has cleared the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) of any wrongdoing over allegations that a high-ranking officer received an unauthorised allowance. However, its investigations uncovered “some issues related to governance”.
MACC opened investigations last month after a poison pen letter surfaced with the allegations. The timing of the allegations and the investigation led acting BAM president Datuk V. Subramaniam to claim that it could be an attempt to tarnish his reputation ahead of the annual general elections that must be called by May this year.
His claim reflects the tense atmosphere within BAM, with the elections less than four months away. The position became vacant in August after Tan Sri Norza Zakaria stepped down after seven years in the hot seat. Norza, however, was made Honorary Life President in November.
However, far from giving BAM a clean bill of health, MACC’s chief commissioner, Tan Sri Azam Baki, told reporters he would send a report to BAM and the Youth and Sports Ministry citing “some issues related to governance”, and that it would be “detailed in the report”.
To help clear the air, it would be wise if the parties involved made the report public. Observers and sponsors would like to know what the “issues with governance” are.
It would also help to clear any doubt surrounding BAM’s leadership as the race to be the next permanent president hots up.
Subramaniam is seen as the ‘chosen one’ after assuming the role of acting president, but the Selangor BA president could face several challenges for the coveted seat. Putrajaya BA president Datuk Seri Khairudin Abd Samad has already stated his intention to challenge for the top post.
There is speculation that some within BAM want Investment, Trade, and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz to stand for election. Tengku Zafrul was mentioned as a potential acting president in 2023 when Norza initially broached the subject of stepping down, but BAM’s constitution meant he couldn’t assume the post.
Datuk Seri Dr Jahaberdeen Mohamed Yunoos, the Kuala Lumpur BA president and also a BAM vice-president, is another person whom some see as a potential No. 1.
BAM, yesterday, thanked the anti-graft body for "concluding their investigations and announcing there would be no further action taken against a senior official." In a statement on its social media account, the national body added: "BAM, as a dynamic association and one that constantly strives to improve, will accept and implement the recommendations of MACC on our governance."
BAM went on to "express its deepest appreciation" to Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh for her "support and advice throughout the investigation".
It is enlightening to note that BAM will strive to address the "governance issues" promptly. Failure to do so could undermine trust in the national body.
