THERE was no serious punishment in the end for Rashid Sidek who walked off with a verbal warning by the BA of Malaysia (BAM) after a disciplinary hearing at Juara Stadium yesterday.
The national singles coach was called in to face a disciplinary committee for making statements to the media over his decision to decline the offer to become Malaysia's team leader at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games in July.
Chairman of the rules and discipline committee Datuk V. Subramaniam said: “We have to thank Rashid for taking the trouble to meet us and explaining his part of the story.
“He (Rashid) has explained to the disciplinary committee, and we have accepted his explanation. He has also apologised for his mistakes and after deliberating, the committee has decided to let him off with a warning to not repeat this again.
“This is also for the other coaches to know that we (BAM) have policies, and they should follow them.”
BAM assistant secretary Mohd Shah Hashim, Selangor BA secretary Jadadish Chandra and lawyer Datuk Jahaberdeen YM Mohamed Yunos were the other committee members.
Rashid, when asked to comment, said: “Well as you all know I have been warned verbally, and I must be careful with what I say from now.
“I was called in because I turned down the offer to be the team leader at the Commonwealth Games. They (BAM) have advised me to not reveal details.”
As for the status of his contract which expires in December, Rashid said: “Everything remains the same, I am still the coach.”
Meanwhile, it is learnt that World No 1 Lee Chong Wei, who failed a dope test in August, could probably not face a physical panel for his hearing which is expected to take place early next month.
BAM secretary Ng Chin Chai said yesterday that there was a Badminton World Federation (BWF) disciplinary hearing last year which was done via Skype, as the panel members were from different countries.
“We have not received any news on the exact date for the hearing, but it has been indicated that it will be in early December. The BWF doping panel will decide on three panel members for the hearing and they will all be from different member associations except Malaysia.
“Last year there was a disciplinary hearing which was conducted via Skype, but we don’t know exactly how this hearing will be conducted. We will be informed in due time,” Chin Chai said.
Chong Wei, who tested positive for the banned substance dexamethasone at the World Championships in Copenhagen, has been provisionally suspended by BWF from competing in all tournaments till the hearing.