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THOUGH touted to be the best man for the job, Datuk Seri Dr. Jahaberdeen Mohamed Yunoos is yet to confirm if he will run for the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) presidency.
The deputy president has expressed his intention to maintain focus on his current role rather than divert attention to presidential ambitions.
Jahaberdeen, who is also the President of the Kuala Lumpur Badminton Association (KLBA), stressed that he is commitment to improving the overall quality and performance of BAM leading up to its annual general meeting (AGM) in April.
“When it comes to the presidential position, I think we should hold off discussions for now.
“Let’s concentrate on enhancing the quality of our work at BAM in the next two months.
“If you ask me today, my primary focus is on advancing badminton in Malaysia, not on whether I’ll be running for president,” said Jahaberdeen.
Despite his cautious approach to the presidency, there has been growing interest in the position, with Datuk Seri Khairudin Samad, BAM vice-president and President of the Putrajaya Badminton Association, publicly expressing his intention to contest.
The position became vacant after former BAM president Tan Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria resigned in August last year.
Currently, Datuk V. Subramaniam is holding the position in an acting capacity.
Jahaberdeen's views on the future leadership of BAM are clear as he hopes potential candidates will prioritise grassroots development and strengthen the national badminton ecosystem.
He stressed that whoever steps into the top role should build upon the legacy of past presidents, focusing on the welfare of players and coaches, and ensuring sound governance within BAM.
“There’s a lot to be done. The next president must be someone who will continue to improve on the work done by previous leaders, focusing on the welfare of players and coaches, and making sure BAM operates with good governance.
“I hope we see a candidate who can elevate the sport to new heights,” he said.
KLBA, under Jahaberdeen’s leadership, has been in discussions with the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to establish the DBKL Cheras Badminton Arena as a permanent training facility for athletes.
The RM20 million complex, located in Taman Pertama, Cheras, boasts world-class facilities, including 12 courts, a multipurpose hall, a gym, and a surau.
Jahaberdeen expressed hope that DBKL would agree to make the arena a permanent hub for training, following positive discussions with Kuala Lumpur mayor, Datuk Seri Dr. Maimunah Mohd Sharif.
“This facility is a great asset for our athletes. We’ve had positive discussions with DBKL, and I believe they will consider our request favourably.
“We are working towards making this a permanent training venue for our players, and it will be a big boost for the local badminton community,” he added.
Jahaberdeen’s commitment to enhancing badminton’s infrastructure and governance reflects his passion for the sport, as he continues to prioritise its development and future growth. Whether or not he decides to run for president, his contributions to Malaysian badminton remain an integral part of its ongoing progress. – February 18, 2025