News Straits Times. http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Thursday/Sport/20041021082900/Article/indexb_html BADMINTON/Fancy That: Homeless State BAs K. M. Boopathy Oct 21: THE BA of Malaysia stand accused of sleeping on the job. How else can one explain the shocking fact that the majority of the State BAs have no administrative offices. It does, however, explain why badminton, for all its status as a sport in which Malaysians are genuinely world class, isn't making much of a headway on the world stage despite the nation's rich history in the game. BAM deputy president Datuk Roland Wong, when contacted in Seremban yesterday, admitted that most State BAs operated from their respective secretaries' homes and that the national body were in the midst of addressing the problem. "BAM are aware of the problem and we are working towards helping the State BAs become more systematic in their operations," said Wong, who is also BAM's acting development committee chairman. "Our major concern is to have permanent training centres for the State BAs. "Once in place, the administrative offices can be set up in these centres." Only six of the 14 State BAs — Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Perlis, Malacca, Kelantan and Sarawak — have their own training centres and offices. It was also surprising to find out that well established State BAs like Perak, Penang and Kedah do not have their own administrative offices despite constantly producing shuttlers for the national team. On most occasions, the residence of the respective State BA secretaries becomes the temporary office and it makes one wonder if formal meetings are regularly held. Wong said BAM are seeking the assistance of the State Governments. "We will be speaking to every State Government in order to gain permanent training centres and offices. "We need to improve the structure at State level in order to have sound development programmes. "However, we also want the respective State BAs to show more initiative in fulfilling their needs." However, the Kedah BA, despite not having an administrative office, have been very effective when it comes to development and have four regional training centres where coaches from China have been employed to train their players. However, an administrative office is something which separates Kedah from the more established associations of Kuala Lumpur and Selangor. Wong said that BAM will hold a development committee meeting soon to discuss the matter and come up solutions. That BAM have allowed this to go on for so long is unfathomable but the national body are, after the Athens Olympics failure, on a crusade to identify the weaknesses holding back Malaysian badminton and this certainly is one reason
Translated: We know about it, but we're just waiting for someone to point it out to us before promising to do something about it. We'll just wait till this blows over, then forget to do it again. Translated: Who to blame? Hmmm WHO INDEED? Ahhhh, yes, of course the STATE BA. Always go to the subordinates cause they can't vocalize back without being fired! Translated: These State BA's sure aren't doing their jobs! Translated: Let's all put on our suits, and talk in front of the media, and look REALLY important! -dave
Shame ! Shame ! Shame ! Why would BA banned its players from international tournaments after Athens 2004 while the officers themselves are not trying 101% temselves.
