Lee Zii Jia confirmed he received the blessing of the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) to become a professional shuttler after meeting president Norza Zakaria in a private meeting on Tuesday.
“I am happy that we are now resolving this issue with BAM after receiving Norza’s blessings to become a professional player. My past and future achievements will always be the product of Norza, BAM and Malaysia. At the moment, I will commit myself for the Asia Team Championships (February 15-20).
“I hope this conclusion unites us as Malaysians and badminton fans,” said Lee on his social media page.
Lee would hold a press conference to announce his next plan as an independent shuttler, but at the same time buried any speculation of him playing for another country.
"No matter if we are a professional [shuttler] or under the BAM, it is all for Malaysia," he said.
Persatuan Badminton Malaysia (BAM) dan Lee Zii Jia capai kata sepakat dalam pertemuan mereka hari ini. Zii Jia jelaskan, ianya pertemuan positif dengan keputusan yang menggembirakannya. Selanjutnya, dia minta untuk menunggu kenyataan rasmi dari BAM @ASTROARENA pic.twitter.com/k5uKOhMQN7
— Syakirah Zulkifly (@SykrhZlkfly) January 25, 2022
The saga looked to have finally reached a happy ending after the BAM decided not to register Lee and Goh Jin Wei for any tournaments for two years last Friday, as a result of their premature departure from the national body.
Dr. Jahaberdeen Mohamed Yunoos, BAM deputy president and chairman for legal advisory committee, said the meeting with Lee on Tuesday was positive.
"We have found a way forward for both parties. We will put the matter up to the BAM council for endorsement and will make an announcement by next week.
"Rest assured it is a good conclusion acceptable to BAM and Lee. This meeting was based on his appeal. When we decided to take action, it was consistent with our policy and his contract. But like I mentioned, there is always an avenue open for appeal,” said Jahaberdeen.
He also said that Goh's verdict was not discussed, as this meeting was only to talk about Lee’s appeal.
Prior to this meeting, the national body had confirmed Lee sent his appeal against the decision on Monday.
The BAM, in a statement, also said while they could understand the public outcry to the initial decision to not allow Lee to compete for two years, there were processes and procedures in place to be adhered to.
Besides Norza, Lee had also met with Malaysian Youth and Sports Minister Faizal Azumu on Monday, which the minister described as a successful meeting.
