RASHID Sidek believes an open trial is the best way for BAM to have formidable squads for the Thomas and Uber Cup Finals this year.
Rashid, who won the Thomas Cup in 1992 as Malaysia's first singles, feels that an open trial will be fair to both national and independent players.
They have not played in tournaments or trained on court for the past two months due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
"Ideally, you would want to select the best players based on their world rankings, but how do we justify that when players have not played or trained on court for the past two months?
"I believe the best way to put up the strongest squad and be fair at the same time, is by having an open selection trial," Rashid told Timesport yesterday.
Since the Movement Control Order (MCO) was declared by the government in March, all national players have been sent back to their respective homes.
However, BAM are seeking approval from the Ministry of Health and the National Security Council to allow their players to resume training at the Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM) in Bukit Kiara by June 1.
In a press statement last week, BAM said they will open their doors to independent players who can make the cut for the Thomas and Uber Cup Finals on Oct 3-11 in Aarhus, Denmark, as well as to those who stand a chance to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics next year.
While applauding the gesture, Rashid, who quit the national body in 2015, said he hopes to see every player having an
equal chance of representing the country.
"I understand that BAM want to resume training by June 1, and allow players who make the cut for the Thomas and Uber Cups, to start training on June 15.
"Perhaps, they should already start allowing players, who are likely to make the cut, join in then. Coaches can then start assessing them and not wait until the last minute.
"You must consider the fact that the players outside (independents) are still not allowed to train on court, even if BAM players can start in June.
"I see this as the best and fairest way to select players," added Rashid.
On Sunday, two former national men's singles, Liew Daren and Soong Joo Ven expressed their desire to be part of the Thomas Cup squad. They, too, want a fair selection process.