KUALA LUMPUR: Since news broke of a likely legal dispute between world No 4 Lee Zii Jia and his former coach, Indra Wijaya, many badminton fans wondered what actually happened between the two.
In an official statement made exclusive to Timesport, Indonesian Indra, on the advice of his lawyers, Muhammad Yazid Mohamad Salim and Ahmad Nabilimran Ahmad Halimi (Messrs Wan Ahmad Ridzuan & Co), gave his side of the story in chronological order as follows:
1. Indra Wijaya was offered, and signed an employment contract with LZJ Management Sdn Bhd (LZJMSB), as badminton coach for three years beginning 01.03.2022.
2. Indra has duly performed his duties in line with the working contract and there had been no issue in relation to performance, discipline and other matters throughout his time working with Zii Jia from March to November 2022.
3. On 24.11.2022, LZJMSB's Lee Zii Yii, through a WhatsApp text, informed Indra that training on 25.11.2022 will be cancelled and replaced with a meeting at Bape Cafe KLCC (VIP Room) at 10am.
4. On 25.11.2022, Indra attended the meeting. In the presence of Zii Yii, Zii Jia verbally made it clear that he intends to move solo without the service of a coach. As such, Zii Jia informed Indra about terminating his contract as coach with Lee Zii Jia Badminton Club.
5. On 26.11.2022, Indra left the "Team LZJ" WhatsApp group after bidding farewell to the other team members with the understanding that his contract has been terminated unilaterally.
6. Indra had also requested for an explanation from Zii Yii, on whether he could look for a job elsewhere or join any other badminton club. Zii Yii informed him that there was no objection for him to do so.
7. On 29.11.2022, LZJMSB issued a copy of the contract termination through WhatsApp for Indra to sign. Among the details listed include that both parties had mutually agreed to terminate the employment contract. On grounds of mutual termination, Indra is to receive a compensation worth three months of his salary, payment for the balance of his unclaimed annual leave and bonus. Both parties are not allowed to make any statement that could have a negative impact on either party, and both parties have agreed to release one another from any action or claims in regard to the termination of the employment contract.
8. On 2.12.2022, after reading through the termination contract, Indra sent an email to Zii Jia, and a WhatsApp text to Zii Yii, informing her of his stand and requesting for a written explanation on the following points. Indra did not agree to sign the mutual termination contract. Indra felt that the termination was an unfair dismissal as it was Zii Jia's personal decision and had nothing to do with his performance or achievement throughout his service as coach. Three months notice cannot be fulfilled without due process and a domestic inquiry if the termination was based on Indra's wrongdoings. Requested for LZJMSB/LZJ Badminton Club to discuss again so both parties could have a better understanding. And requested to resume as usual, failing which, a fair compensation for the balance of the employment contract must be settled.
9. On 5.12.2022, Indra sent a WhatsApp text to Zii Yii, seeking a reply to his explanation, with consideration to factors such as his working visa termination, house rental contract termination, children school changing process and other matters that need to be handled by him.
10. On 6.12.2022, LZJ Badminton Club sent a letter signed by Zii Yii, replying to Indra's message on 2.12.2022, with the following points: Denying an unfair dismissal claim. Pointing out that coach Indra leaving Team LZJ's WhatsApp group and inquiring if he could take up another job, meant that he chose to leave Zii Jia. The above is also seen as a termination of the employment contract by Indra without any objection from Zii Jia's side. With that Indra was asked to look through the mutual termination contract again. Although the employment termination contract was from coach Indra, LZJMSB was ready to pay a compensation as a sign of "goodwill", and compensation for his unclaimed annual leave. Indra's termination of the employment contract also meant that his working visa will be terminated.
11. Based on the reply, coach Indra sought legal counsel and was advised to file an appeal with the Industrial Relations Department (JPP) within 60 days from the time of termination, under the 1967 Industrial Relations Act. This is to allow him to seek compensation for an invalid termination of contract, which is 24 months of his salary in lieu.
12. The appeal was filed at the JPP on 16.1.2022 under Section 20 of the 1967 Industrial Relations Act and the first mediation took place on 23.2.2023.
13. The mediation was mediated by Nor Asyrin Baharudin, and both parties were given seven days to come up with a settlement or reply (if any). Failure to do so will result in the matter being referred for full hearing in front of a judge at the Industrial Court of Malaysia.
14. Indra stressed that termination of the employment contract was done by Zii Jia's side on grounds that the shuttler wanted to move solo. To date this has never been denied by Zii Jia.
15. To date, Indra has yet to receive any compensation for the termination of his employment contract. The offer by Zii Jia's side does not reflect the true facts behind the termination, whereby Indra was asked to sign the mutual termination agreement, and was asked to agree to additional terms and conditions that were deemed unfair by him.
16. The appeal at the JPP was Indra's initiative to seek what he deems fair for the termination of his employment contract.
17. Indra made it clear that he has no ill intentions, and does not intend to worsen or prolong the matter. He is open to any discussion in order to find the best possible solution for both parties. Indra has always only wished for the best for Zii Jia.
* Zii Jia and his team have not responded to Timesport on the matter