KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has long contributed to the sport of badminton, that it would be odd if the country is not represented at the world level.
BA of Malaysia (BAM) secretary-general Datuk Kenny Goh, who will be contesting for one of the 20 council member positions at the Badminton World Federation's (BWF) virtual annual general meeting (AGM) on May 22, believes every member has the right to choose.
This is in response to Badminton Asia (BA), who came up with a list of candidates that their members ought to vote for, which does not include Malaysia.
Speaking to Timesport yesterday, Kenny said: "In this election, the BA have a list of candidates that their members ought to vote for.
"However, Malaysia is not on the list. I believe members have the right to choose, and I hope they will make the right choice.
"I hope to be given the opportunity to use my experience for the development of the sport that I love at the global level."
Kenny, who served as BAM general manager and BA chief operating officer (COO) in the past, feels that it is also necessary to have a Malaysian in the council for the mere fact that the BWF head office is in Kuala Lumpur.
"BWF's head office is in KL, and I think it is vital that a Malaysian is represented in the council. So, I hope I can be given that opportunity to serve," he added.
A total of 30 candidates, including Kenny, will be contesting for the 20 council positions.
BWF president Poul-Erik Hoyer (Denmark), deputy president Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul (Thailand) and vice-president for para-badminton Paul Kurzo (Switzerland) have retained their posts unopposed.