National men’s doubles player Aaron Chia believes doubles coaching director Rexy Mainaky should not take sole responsibility or consider stepping down following Malaysia’s failure to meet the four-gold target at the Thailand SEA Games.
Aaron said Rexy’s willingness to resign may have stemmed from disappointment over the players’ performances, including his own and partner Soh Wooi Yik’s defeat in the final to Indonesia’s Sabar Gutama–Moh Reza Pahlevi Isfahani.
“I think he was disappointed with how we played. As I’ve said before, everyone has their own roles and responsibilities. It shouldn’t all be placed on one person,” Aaron said.
He stressed that the team’s priority now is to find solutions together rather than pointing fingers.
“What matters most is when we return, we sit down with the coaches and discuss how to fix the problems. The focus should be on solutions, not blame,” he added.
Aaron also questioned whether a resignation would guarantee immediate success.
“Even if Coach Rexy steps down, can his replacement guarantee a gold medal straight away? Of course not. Everyone must take responsibility and focus on improving,” he said.
Malaysia ended their SEA Games campaign with one gold, two silvers and six bronzes—well short of BAM’s four-gold target. The lone gold came from women’s doubles pair Pearly Tan–M. Thinaah, while Aaron–Wooi Yik and the men’s team settled for silver.
About the Author
