Ministry To Study Benefits Of BWF's Presence Here - Ahmad Shabery

KUALA LUMPUR, July 16 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) are expected to discuss the benefits of retaining the Badminton World Federation (BWF) office, if the world governing body intends to shift its base to another country.

Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek however, said the ministry had not received any letter from BWF to indicate its intention to relocate its office that is currently based at the Kuala Lumpur Badminton Stadium in Cheras.

"We want to look at whether there are any positive aspects if the BWF office remained here or not," he told reporters here Friday.

The issue of a shift by BWF popped up after BAM were said to be unhappy because Malaysia was omitted from the list of hosts for the Premier Super Series badminton championships next year.

Ahmad Shabery said among considerations taken into account to retain the BWF office in the country was the benefits and advantage that Malaysia would derive, especially in terms of sponsorship and hosting exclusive tournaments.

"Benefits will supercede all other factors. I am sure the government will support the presence of the BWF office in the country if there was any benefit.

"By right, both parties must benefit from the BWF's presence here. If no mutual agreement can be reached, it is up to BWF to decide," he said.

Commenting on BWF's decision to omit Malaysia from the list, Ahmad Shabery said countries that do not have a BWF office have been selected but not Malaysia which houses the BWF office.

The five countries picked to host the Premier Super Series next year are South Korea, Indonesia, China, Denmark and England (All England).

Source from BERNAMA