KUALA LUMPUR — Acting Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) president Datuk V. Subramaniam said he is unaware of any lobbying efforts for the presidency amid an ongoing Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) investigation into the association.
However, Subramaniam noted he would not be surprised if such lobbying is occurring, given the upcoming presidential election scheduled for March or April next year.
Subramaniam assumed the role of acting president just four months ago, following Tan Sri Mohammad Norza Zakaria’s resignation after the Paris Olympics.
Recently, Scoop reported that a poison pen letter, which reportedly triggered the MACC probe, is believed to be part of an internal campaign to tarnish reputations ahead of the elections.
When asked about the investigation during the Yonex Sponsorship Signing Ceremony in the city today, Subramaniam refrained from naming the senior BAM official under MACC scrutiny, despite confirming that both he and secretary-general Datuk Kenny Goh have provided statements to the commission.
“As you all know, BAM has issued a brief statement regarding the MACC investigation, and that’s it. We are sticking to that and letting the MACC carry out its investigation as necessary.
“We’ll wait for the outcome; there’s nothing more to comment on,” Subramaniam said.
He also declined to speculate on the mastermind behind the poison pen letter or the reasons for the investigation.
“This happened for many reasons, but I don’t know what those reasons are. Just wait. Could be (due to the BAM election), and nothing surprises me,” he added when met at the sponsorship signing ceremony with Yonex, here.
Meanwhile, Yonex has agreed to extend its sponsorship of BAM for another four years, until 2028, solidifying its partnership with the association.
Earlier reports by Scoop revealed that the MACC’s investigation centres on allegations that a high-ranking BAM official received additional payments without board approval.
The case is being investigated under Section 23 of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009, which deals with abuse of power for personal or associated benefit. — December 4, 2024