Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) president Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz has stressed that Malaysia’s underwhelming SEA Games campaign was a collective failure, while reaffirming that doubles coaching director Rexy Mainaky will remain an integral part of the national setup.
Malaysia returned from the SEA Games with one gold, two silvers and six bronzes, falling short of the four-gold target set by BAM. In the aftermath, Rexy offered to take responsibility and step aside if required.
However, Tengku Zafrul was quick to defend the Indonesian-born coach, stating that accountability must be shared among players, coaches, management and leadership.
He said the defeat should not be pinned on one individual, adding that success and failure alike belong to the entire team. Tengku Zafrul also emphasised Rexy’s importance to the long-term development of Malaysian badminton, noting that experience and coaching philosophy cannot be judged by a single tournament.
While acknowledging the disappointment at the SEA Games, he highlighted key achievements this year, including Chen Tang Jie–Toh Ee Wei becoming mixed doubles world champions and Pearly Tan–M. Thinaah reaching the World Championships final and winning Malaysia’s only SEA Games gold.
He also pointed out that Malaysia exceeded its overall medal target and ended a six-year wait for a women’s singles medal through Wong Ling Ching.
Tengku Zafrul reiterated his commitment to rebuilding Malaysian badminton with a long-term vision, stressing that the journey continues despite the setback. Focus now turns to the World Tour Finals in Hangzhou, where several national pairs will look to bounce back.
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