BAM TAKEN TO TASK FOR INACTION
Former shuttler wants to know how BWF came to know about match-fixing before the national body
AFORMER shuttler has questioned the BA of Malaysia (BAM) for failing to take an active role in eradicating match-fixing in badminton. The former player, who did not want to be named, is bemused over the entire episode concerning the latest matchfixing scandal.
Two Malaysian professional players, who are provisionally suspended for match-fixing, are now being investigated by the Badminton World Federation (BWF). Their cases will be heard in Singapore on Feb 26-27.
They could be banned for life by BWF if found guilty.
"What have they (BAM) been doing all this time? How did BWF stumble upon the match-fixing cases involving Malaysians first before the national body?
“It is puzzling. BAM need to be aware of what’s happening in their own backyard,” said the former international.
Meanwhile, Datuk James Selvaraj claimed that match-fixing in the sport did not exist when he was a national player.
"It's (match-fixing) very new to me as back then badminton was clean," said James, who was a national champion in the 1970s.
"In fact, during our playing days, we had nothing, yet we did not resort to this. I remember earning an allowance of only RM3 a day.”
Selvaraj said: “We fought against each other, but it was to earn our spot in the national team for tournaments. We fought for our country.”
"So it baffles me how players these days with the kind of money they earn are doing this.
“I am certain that more players are involved in match-fixing,” he added.