KUALA LUMPUR: The BA of Malaysia (BAM) have hired Paulus Firman as the new national men’s doubles coach.
It is Paulus’ second stint in Malaysia, having served BAM for 10 months before tendering his resignation in October, 2013.
The Indonesian will assist men’s doubles head coach Cheah Soon Kit.
Paulus is a replacement for Rosman Razak who has been promoted to women’s doubles head coach.
BAM president Datuk Seri Norza Zakaria said Paulus was engaged as he was the only candidate who could commit and join immediately.
“We had discussions with several candidate. Only Paulus was prepared to give immediate commitment.” said Norza after the BAM council meeting in Bukit Kiara on Saturday.
Norza also disclosed that Soniia Cheah has been selected for next month’s Gold Coast Commonwealth Games ahead of former world junior champion Goh Jin Wei.
“The performances of both women’s singles shuttlers were assessed by coach Tey Seu Bock before he decided to pick Soniia,” said Norza.
The other Commonwealth Games-bound players are Lee Chong Wei (men’s singles), Goh V Shem-Tan Wee Kiong (doubles), Vivian Hoo-Chow Mei Kuan (women’s doubles), Chan Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying and Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai Jamie (both mixed doubles).
BAM also confirmed that independent doubles player Tan Boon Heong has rejected the association’s offer to rejoin the national team.