Chong Wei: Truth hurts, I do not mind if people are upset with me

Lee Chong Wei says he has accepted not being liked for the decisions he has made as the national performance committee chairman.

“The public may not like it. Sometimes, people cannot accept it when you want to do the right thing. Some just do not like the truth. In my position, I do not mind if people are upset with me. Maybe I’m too swift in making things happen, and others cannot keep up.

“I also do not like to read social media, but sometimes my close circle will tell people are upset with me. But my decisions are my way of giving back to the country.

“I have served the country for 25 years in the sport, including 19-years as a player in BAM. I don’t think anyone can come close to my years of service.

“I do not get paid a single cent for my role. But it is my dream to help my country,” said Lee in a recent podcast session with the Badminton Association of Malaysia president Tengku Zafrul.

Lee’s remarks come on the back of an imminent player and coaching restructuring by the national association in December.

The former world number one has previously stated a comprehensive evaluation will be done to evaluate which players are retained or dropped.

Lee wants to inject more youth firepower into the national system, and this reshuffle will allow more junior shuttlers the opportunity to join the national stable, while also adding the number of coaches to guide them.