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Influential figure: Misbun Sidek’s quit decision may probably trigger the walkout of several national players from the BAM.

KUALA LUMPUR: Coach Misbun Sidek literally started the New Year with a bang.

Yesterday, the former international dropped a bombshell on the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM). Out of the blue, Misbun tendered his resignation as the national singles coach.

And Misbun’s quit decision may probably trigger the walkout of several national players from BAM, including his blue-eyed world number one Lee Chong Wei.

Influential figure: Misbun Sidek’s quit decision may probably trigger the walkout of several national players from the BAM.

The move is considered untimely as Chong Wei and the other players are getting ready for three major tournaments this month – the Super Series Masters Finals in Taiwan (Jan 5-9), Malaysian Open (Jan 18-23) and Korean Open (Jan 25-29).

And there could be further ramifications, especially with Chong Wei being targeted to do well in this year’s World Championships and next year’s Olympic Games in London.

Kenny Goh, the BAM’s general manager, confirmed yesterday that Misbun had called it quits through a letter sent via e-mail to the BAM’s office on Dec 31.

Kenny, however, refused to divulge the reasons behind Misbun’s surprise exit.

“Misbun did not state any reasons but said that his resignation will take effect from Jan 3. Personally, I am surprised with the letter. I have informed president Datuk Seri Nadzmi (Mohd Salleh) and secretary Ng Chin Chai. I have also forwarded the e-mail to all the exco members,” said Kenny. “A meeting on this matter will take place after our president returns from overseas on Jan 4. It is still too early to comment on the reasons behind Misbun’s resignation. We are still in shock.”

It is no secret that the long-serving coach Misbun was unhappy since the BAM revamped their coaching and training structure five months ago.

In a bid to strengthen their structure, the BAM placed Misbun in the elite team under the charge of his younger brother Rashid. To add to his frustrations, two of his players - his son Misbun Ramdan and Wong Mew Choo – were removed from his care.

Ramdan was put under the charge of Hendrawan in the back-up squad while Mew Choo went to train under national women’s singles coach Wong Tat Meng.

Ramdan, however, has yet to report to Hendrawan for training . He has been training diligently under his father, much to the dismay of the BAM.

Misbun’s assistant coach Teh Seu Bock was also removed. But after some plea bargainings by Misbun and Chong Wei, Seu Bock returned to the elite squad.

In fact, Seu Bock will be accompanying Chong Wei to Taiwan for the Super Series Masters Finals today.

Misbun had also been under pressure following the below par performances of several back-up players - Liew Daren, Tan Chun Seang, Chan Kwong Beng and Chong Wei Feng. The matter was discussed at the coaching and training committee meeting (CNT) on Thursday.

Kenny, however, doubted that Misbun’s resignation was caused by the discussion at the CNT.

“It was like any other ordinary CNT meeting. We spoke in length on all the coaches’ reports. All the coaches were present except for Rexy Mainaky (doubles coach). It was a fruitful meeting,” said Kenny.

When asked whether Misbun’s quit decision would trigger a walkout by the players, Kenny said: “Misbun is a professional coach. He would have put much thought on his decision and putting national interest above all else. I doubt that this will take place.

“We cannot say that Misbun’s resignation will be a loss because we have not accepted his decision yet. Let Nadzmi and the exco look into it first.”

Under Misbun, Malaysia saw Mohd Hafiz Hashim winning the All-England in 2003 and Chong Wei nailing the 100th edition of the oldest badminton tournament last year. Chong Wei also won a silver medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. - TheStar