KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 16 — Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) Deputy President II Datuk Seri Jahaberdeen Mohamed Yunoos has yet to give a clear indication of whether he will throw his hat in the ring for the top post in the association.
Instead, the Kuala Lumpur Badminton Association (KLBA) president expressed his intention to defend his current position at BAM’s polls at its Annual General Meeting scheduled for April.
“Personally, I think we should focus on improving the quality and efficiency of work at BAM in the next two months rather than contesting for the presidency.
“Well, if you ask me today, I am more interested in working for badminton rather than thinking about whether I am going for the top post. But I do intend to defend my post as deputy president,” he said after KLBA’s 2025 appreciation and dinner event yesterday night.
So far, BAM vice president and Putrajaya Badminton Association president Datuk Seri Khairudin Samad has expressed interest in going for the top post, which is currently held by acting president Datuk V. Subramaniam.
The BAM presidency has been vacant since former president Tan Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria resigned in August last year.
Meanwhile, Jahaberdeen hopes that any new BAM president candidate will prioritise grassroots development and the overall badminton ecosystem in the country.
He said those interested in the top position should work on improving the efforts of previous presidents, including focusing on the well-being of players and coaches while ensuring good governance within BAM.
Additionally, Jahaberdeen revealed that KLBA is currently in discussions with the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to designate Arena Badminton DBKL Cheras as a permanent training venue for players.
“I hope this place is going to be a relatively permanent home. We've already spoken with DBKL and we have met up with the Kuala Lumpur Mayor (Datuk Seri Maimunah Mohd Sharif). InsyaAllah, she has agreed to look at our request,” he said.
The RM20 million complex, located in Taman Pertama, Cheras, is equipped with facilities including 12 courts, a multipurpose hall, a gymnasium, and a surau.
— Bernama