KUALA LUMPUR: While admitting that it is not all black and white, former world No 1 Lee Chong Wei has chosen not to comment on Lee Zii Jia's possible return to the Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM).
In light of the recent Road to Gold (RTG) programme announcement, speculations are rife that Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh is keen to see the 25-year-old Zii Jia back in the national setup.
Zii Jia first left the national body in January 2022, citing pressure and difficulty coping with the regimented training programme.
It was understood that the Kedah-born is on a long-term sponsorship deal with sports equipment brand Victor.
For the record, Yonex sponsors the national players and the ABM.
"It is best I do not comment on Zii Jia or the rumours of him returning to ABM."We all know that the RTG is a programme mooted by the Youth and Sports Minister, while Tan Sri Norza Zakaria heads BAM.
"Hannah wants to meet Zii Jia first, this could be in the next few days. From there, we will know what is next.
"Let's not forget that if Zii Jia decides to return, Norza will also need to run through the terms and regulations.
"Yes, I am a member of BAM's TAP (technical advisory panel) and the RTG committee, but this matter is not under my purview," said Chong Wei.
The three-time Olympic silver medallist has also had enough of being on the receiving end of social media users, especially when he speaks about badminton today.
"Things are very different today with social media. People will call me smarty pants or question my credibility when I speak my mind.
"Nobody needs that, so it is better to be cautious and stay away from making unnecessary comments."Best to wait for Hannah to announce after she meets Zii Jia."
Since turning pro, Zii Jia courted controversy on a number of occasions, which did not sit well with several quarters.
The world No 4 is also facing a possible lawsuit from his former coach Indra Wijaya for an alleged unfair dismissal case.
To add to his woes, Zii Jia did not have the best of starts to the season, but seemed to have regained his form after reaching back-to-back semi-finals at the All England (Super 1000) and Swiss Open (Super 300) this month.