THE BA of Malaysia (BAM) yesterday strongly refuted Yoo Yong Sung's claims that the association had given him a raw deal during the Korean's short tenure as national doubles coach.
Yong Sung on Wednesday slammed BAM for making false allegations that the reason for the coach's resignation two weeks ago was his salary.
BAM, in a statement, said Yong Sung, who was earning about US$3,000 (RM9,000) a month, requested a salary hike on two occasions but the coaching committee informed him that his demands needed to be discussed at the exco meeting which was held on April 27.
"The exco subsequently agreed to confirm him after the six-month probation period but with no salary increment. He demanded a hike three times more than his then pay," the statement said.
"He (Yong Sung) then decided to tender his resignation. As far as we are concerned, we had followed proper procedures. We want to thank Yong Sung for his time here."
Yong Sung approached BAM for a job last October and was hired a month later to help former World No 1 pair Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong raise their game and also coach the junior pairs.
The two-time Olympic silver medallist claimed he was not given sufficient time to work with Kien Keat-Boon Heong or with other pairs.
BAM also attached the minutes of the March 20 meeting (between coaches) in its statement, which was attended by chief coach Tan Kim Her, Rosman Razak, Pang Cheh Chiang and Yong Sung.
According to the attached files, Yong Sung was assigned with Rosman and Kim Her to work on Kien Keat-Boong Heong in two one-hour sessions a week.
It was also decided at the meeting that three pairs -- Mak Hee Chun-Tan Wee Kiong, Chooi Kah Ming-Ow Yaw Han and Tan Wee Tat-San Enos Jan -- would train under Yong Sung.
The statement noted: "All coaches were given specific duties at the meeting.
"Yoo Sung was given players and it is stated clearly in the minutes of the meeting."
BAM general manager Kenny Goh, when contacted, refused to clarify a few details in the statement. "Everything is stated clearly in the statement. I do not want to comment," said Kenny.
Yong Sung's resignation came after former Olympic gold medallist Rexy Mainaky quit the national team in late April for a coaching job in the Philippines.
The departure of the two foreign coaches ahead of the London Olympics does not augur well for Malaysia's hopes of a medal in doubles at the Games.
Kien Keat-Boon Heong have been struggling for months and their most recent claim to fame was winning the lowly rated Malaysian GP Gold title in Johor Baru.
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