Sports minister hopes BAM and Zii Jia will reach solution

KUALA LUMPUR: Youth and sports minister Ahmad Faizal Azumu hopes the Badminton Association of Malaysia and singles ace Lee Zii Jia will reach a solution over his resignation and subsequent two-year ban on playing in international tournaments.

Faizal said he had a meeting with Zii Jia this evening and “discussed matters concerning his wishes and problems. I was told that he will meet with the BAM leadership tomorrow. I hope both parties could find an amicable solution.”

He had also had a meeting with women’s singles shuttler Goh Jin Wei.

BAM had announced that the two players will not be registered for any international tournaments for two years.

The ban on Zii Jia, who is the All England champion, came after he quit the BAM squad on Jan 11 to turn professional. He said he could not take the pressure and regimented lifestyle in BAM.

Jin Wei, the world junior champion, announced her retirement in September then later said she was turning professional. She has also been banned from international tournaments for two years.

BAM confirmed today that Zii Jia had submitted an appeal and it is understood that Ahmad Faizal and Zii Jia will hold separate meetings with BAM tomorrow. — Free Malaysia Today