Malaysian minister emerges as strong candidate to lead Badminton Association

According to News Straits Times, Datuk Seri Utama Tengku Zafrul — Malaysia’s Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry — has emerged as the primary candidate for the presidency of the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM).

The BAM presidential election is scheduled for May 10 — the leadership term will extend through 2029. Interim BAM president, Datuk V Subramaniam, confirmed the internal majority support for Tengku Zafrul’s candidacy.

This nomination raises questions — Malaysian government policy established last August prohibits active officials from holding positions in sports federations. However, BAM continues to consider Tengku Zafrul due to the need for an influential leadership figure.