Malaysia No.1 men's singles shuttler Zii Jia to quit BAM

Lee Zii Jia has tendered his resignation as a national shuttler, the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) confirmed on Wednesday.

Rumours of the All-England champion leaving the national body had been growing in the past few weeks, with him refusing to commit his future to the BAM when quizzed by the media recently.

Zii Jia, who revealed he had consulted with Lee Chong Wei before tendering his resignation, hoped everyone can respect his decision.

"I have always seeked advice from Chong Wei, be it for matters inside or outside the court. His experience as a badminton legend is important to me.

"As for my decision, both BAM and myself want the best outcome from this situation. I want the best decision for my career.

"For me, it doesn't matter if we are an independent or a national player. What matters is we are carrying the national flag.

"There will be some who support my decision, and some who don't. I'm not worried about that. My aim is only to do well and break into the top five this year," he told Astro Arena.

Sure Zii Jia dah fikir panjang before buat decision, All the best, Lee Zii Jia ?? pic.twitter.com/1ISlvhgNiZ

— Syakirah Zulkifly (@SykrhZlkfly) January 19, 2022

Meanwhile, BAM president Norza Zakaria said although the association were dissapointed with his decision, they realised the shuttler had the right to make his own choice.

"We have received his letter. His priority is different. We know he is our number one player, but he also looks to have made up his mind."

The BAM are scheduled to hold a press conference to reveal the outcome of this situation on Friday.