KUALA LUMPUR – A deep-seated desire to repay the organisation that shaped his legendary career, is the reason why Malaysian badminton icon Datuk Seri Lee Chong Wei agreed to join the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) council.
His return to the national body, after retiring in 2019, is driven by a sense of national duty and a strong personal and professional faith in the new leadership of president Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz.
"I agreed to be in the council because this is my way of giving back to the organisations that has made me who I am today," Chong Wei told Scoop.
The three-time Olympic silver medallist revealed that his decision was also cemented by a long-standing friendship with Tengku Zafrul, which predates their current roles in Malaysian badminton.
"Many don't know this but I've known Tengku Zafrul even during my playing days when BAM was sponsored by Maybank. From then, he moved to CIMB, yet we constantly kept in touch," he explained.
"When he became Finance Minister, we still kept in touch as good friends."
It was this established relationship that led to the formal invitation after Tengku Zafrul was elected president on May 10.
"He contacted me and asked me to be part of the council. He said I could contribute to the sport given my vast experience," Chong Wei added.
However, the decision was not taken lightly. The former world No. 1 explained that he needed time to consider the offer due to his extensive existing commitments.
"It took me a while to say yes because I had to think hard before committing. I wear a lot of hats," he noted.
"I'm one of the sports ambassadors for Johor, I'm a member of the Road to Gold (RTG) committee, and I also sit on the National Sports Council (NSC) board. When I agree to something, I want to commit and see things through."
Ultimately, his belief in the new president's vision for the sport proved decisive.
"I also feel Tengku Zafrul makes a very good president. In just 100 days, he has made it a point to meet and speak to all stakeholders, even the media," Chong Wei stated.
Chong Wei is one of four new independent members appointed to the council by Tengku Zafrul, alongside Tan Sri Gooi Hoe Soon, Datuk Sunil Abraham, and Datuk Seri Shazalli Ramly.
When asked if the badminton legend would be tasked with leading a high-performance committee, Tengku Zafrul noted that the new committee structures and roles would only be finalised and announced at the next council meeting in October.
For Chong Wei, the mission is clear and collective: "I hope together, we will all bring Malaysian badminton’s glory days back." - Aug 16, 2025
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