BA of Malaysia (BAM) coaching director Rexy Mainaky has confirmed meeting with former international Lim Pek Siah at the recent Malaysia Open, but remained coy on her possible return to the national body as doubles coach.
On Monday, Timesport reported that Pek Siah, currently with the Singapore BA (SBA), is on the BAM radar.
While admitting he spoke to Pek Siah, Rexy said the final decision will be made by BAM top brass, which include coaching and training committee and high-performance director, Dr Tim Jones.
"I did meet Pek Siah at the Malaysia Open, but it was very casual. I was just asking her about Singapore. We did not get into any matters seriously," said Rexy today.
The Indonesian confirmed that he had spoken to the BAM management and Jones about the appointment of a new doubles coach as soon as possible.
It is understood that Pek Siah, who joined SBA in 2019, will be a free agent at the end of the year.
The 42-year-old former Commonwealth Games gold medallist was BAM's women's doubles coach from 2015-2018.
"I've never worked with Pek Siah before, but I know she was a former coach here. Looking at what she's done in Singapore, I am impressed, especially at the recent Sea Games. The performance of her players have also been good.
"It will be nice if she wants to come back and coach in Malaysia, but that is not our only consideration."
The other candidate is former international Chin Eei Hui, who is currently in charge of independent players, world No 10 men's doubles Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi, world No 9 mixed doubles Tan Kian Meng-Lai Pei Jing and world No 14 Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai.
BAM have been on the lookout for a doubles coach following the resignation of coaches Flandy Limpele (men's doubles), Paulus Firman (mixed doubles), and Chan Chong Ming in recent months.
Earlier, national women's singles head coach Indra Wijaya quit to join independent player Lee Zii Jia. Indra's position at BAM was filled by former Malaysia Open champion, James Chua, who reported for duty on Monday.