Scoop GFX, May 13, 2025
Think first, consider realities outside of BAM, Hannah Yeoh tells Pearly-Thinaah
Sports minister advises pair to not make hasty decision in going independent and consider the challenges of seeking funding and sponsorship outside the national setup
Fabian Peter
Updated 6 hours ago
13 May, 2025
2:03 PM MYT
Think first, consider realities outside of BAM, Hannah Yeoh tells Pearly-Thinaah
Sports minister advises pair to not make hasty decision in going independent and consider the challenges of seeking funding and sponsorship outside the national setup
Fabian Peter
Updated 6 hours ago
13 May, 2025
2:03 PM MYT
KUALA LUMPUR – Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh believes it is better for the national women’s doubles pair Pearly Tan and M. Thinaah to stay with the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) rather than make a hasty choice to go independent.
Scoop reported on Saturday that despite initial speculation of a split (with BAM), the world number four pair is expected to sign new contracts with the national body after this week’s Thailand Open.
The move, if confirmed, would end weeks of speculation about their future.
Hannah urged the shuttlers to weigh their options carefully, especially given the realities of funding and sponsorship outside the national setup.
“They need time to think properly, and it’s not as easy as moving out and finding sponsors when you are on your own,” said Hannah after the National Sports Awards in Subang Jaya today.
“Sponsorships really depend a lot on your ranking and the championships you win. There will be low seasons and high seasons. That’s why it’s always safer to be with the association – because the association will always supply the resources.”
The pair, who made history by becoming the first Malaysian women’s doubles team to reach the Olympic semi-finals in Paris last year, had reportedly requested salaries on par with BAM’s top earners – believed to be around RM2 million a year.
Their situation has drawn widespread attention, with some viewing it as a test of how BAM balances player welfare and accountability.
“Pearly and Thinaah are up-and-coming names, and we put a lot of hope in them. I hope they won’t make their decision in a rush, but really put some time into thinking about it,” Hannah added.
Meanwhile, Hannah is confident that newly elected BAM president Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz will play a proactive role in addressing such issues.
“I think with Tengku Zafrul there now, he will make sure that he keeps as many players as possible under the BAM roof.”
Hannah acknowledged that managing an elite sports body is no easy task, particularly for cash-heavy sports like badminton.
“There are a few sports where the ecosystem needs a lot of money, and not just anyone can attract that sort of funding,” she said.
“Some may argue this person never played the sport, but the role of an administrator is not to play – it’s to secure funds and govern the structure. Tengku Zafrul has experience in the government and the corporate world. I believe that’s what the state badminton leaders saw when they elected him. So I wish him all the best.”
At the same time, she added that it would be good if former players are given more opportunities to contribute.
“My hope is that he might also create more room for former players to give back and share their input. The game of badminton today is very different, and it’s important to hear the voices of current players and those who have been there.” – May 13, 2025
Scoop reported on Saturday that despite initial speculation of a split (with BAM), the world number four pair is expected to sign new contracts with the national body after this week’s Thailand Open.
The move, if confirmed, would end weeks of speculation about their future.
Hannah urged the shuttlers to weigh their options carefully, especially given the realities of funding and sponsorship outside the national setup.
“They need time to think properly, and it’s not as easy as moving out and finding sponsors when you are on your own,” said Hannah after the National Sports Awards in Subang Jaya today.
“Sponsorships really depend a lot on your ranking and the championships you win. There will be low seasons and high seasons. That’s why it’s always safer to be with the association – because the association will always supply the resources.”
The pair, who made history by becoming the first Malaysian women’s doubles team to reach the Olympic semi-finals in Paris last year, had reportedly requested salaries on par with BAM’s top earners – believed to be around RM2 million a year.
Their situation has drawn widespread attention, with some viewing it as a test of how BAM balances player welfare and accountability.
“Pearly and Thinaah are up-and-coming names, and we put a lot of hope in them. I hope they won’t make their decision in a rush, but really put some time into thinking about it,” Hannah added.
Meanwhile, Hannah is confident that newly elected BAM president Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz will play a proactive role in addressing such issues.
“I think with Tengku Zafrul there now, he will make sure that he keeps as many players as possible under the BAM roof.”
Hannah acknowledged that managing an elite sports body is no easy task, particularly for cash-heavy sports like badminton.
“There are a few sports where the ecosystem needs a lot of money, and not just anyone can attract that sort of funding,” she said.
“Some may argue this person never played the sport, but the role of an administrator is not to play – it’s to secure funds and govern the structure. Tengku Zafrul has experience in the government and the corporate world. I believe that’s what the state badminton leaders saw when they elected him. So I wish him all the best.”
At the same time, she added that it would be good if former players are given more opportunities to contribute.
“My hope is that he might also create more room for former players to give back and share their input. The game of badminton today is very different, and it’s important to hear the voices of current players and those who have been there.” – May 13, 2025
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