Norza to step down after Olympics, Subramaniam named acting president

 

Mohamad Norza Zakaria today announced that he would step down as Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) president at the next council meeting scheduled on Aug 24, just two weeks after the Paris 2024 Olympics from July 26 to Aug 11.

He said BAM deputy president I V Subramaniam would serve as the acting president until the annual general meeting is held in either April or May next year.

Norza (above), who has helmed BAM since 2017, previously announced his intention to relinquish his post in December 2023, after which Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz was named his successor.

However, after being persuaded by Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh, he agreed to stay until the Paris Games.

“I was frank the last time I said I wanted to step down. There is a lot of political manoeuvring within the association. I am leaving prematurely before the term ends in 2025.

“To maintain stability, everyone accepts it has to be an internal candidate (as acting president).

“I have fulfilled whatever promises I made because I am not bigger than the institution. I have done enough to build BAM, it’s now for the council to think of who to appoint as the new head,” he said after BAM’s council meeting in Kuala Lumpur today.

He will remain the Olympic Council of Malaysia president until the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.

Asked about Tengku Zafrul’s candidacy as the next president, he said it is up to the council members to decide.

Ready to take over

Subramaniam said he is ready to take up the heavy responsibilities left by Norza in continuing the latter’s good work and efforts in strengthening the nation’s badminton governing body.

Subramaniam had been involved with the Selangor Badminton Association since 1988 before serving as BAM vice-president in 2007.

In March 2022, BAM signed its biggest sponsorship deal with Petronas for three years, after a five-year sponsorship deal with international badminton brand Yonex worth RM55 million in April 2021.

- Bernama