KUALA LUMPUR: The BA of Malaysia (BAM) must be firm in grounding senior players who do not perform before they become a virus that brings down the entire national squad.
According to former international, Rashid Sidek, the national body can no longer be lenient with senior players, who fail to step up to the plate.
"It's high time for BAM to walk the talk. Previously, they had given all these players three months to prove their worth or be phased out.
"I want to see that happening. BAM must be firm and not become soft with these under performing seniors.
"If they are not going to be dropped, then have tougher guidelines. Stop them from competing in international tournaments to teach them a lesson," said Rashid, when contacted on Sunday.
The national badminton squad have come under fire following a string of poor performances at various international outings.
This include the recent Asian Games in Indonesia where the team returned empty-handed for the first time in 32 years.
And if that's not bad enough, Malaysia are also without three-time Olympic silver medallist, Lee Chong Wei, who is currently undergoing treatment for a career-threatening illness.
Rashid, a bronze medal winner at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, believes under performing coaches should also be taken to task.
"Coaches should also take responsibility over the poor showing of the players. We can't just blame the players alone.
"BAM should constantly review their coaches. There must be accountability," added Rashid.