The video posted by ex-shuttler Bong Guang Yik went viral after it was shared by local badminton TikToker @AhBoyBadminton.
In the video, Guang Yik goes on to explain what he thinks is the reason why Malaysia's Badminton Association is performing poorly and lists reasons such as a lack of succession planning after the rise of Datuk Wira Lee Chong Wei along with some colourful opinions about the current management of BAM.
He points to the leaders of BAM who he says are mostly Malays that are "lazy" and who "pray 5 times a day" and don't have time to lead the association.
We investigated that claim and found that BAM is actually quite balanced in terms of races in its committee.
Sports and Youth Minister, Hannah Yeoh, has since released a statement condemning the accusations and revealed that he was a player in 2014 but currently resides in China as a badminton coach.
(1) Saya sudah semak dengan @MSNMALAYSIA @BA_Malaysia, beliau bukan lagi atlet negara dan merupakan bekas pemain pelapis percubaan BAM pada tahun 2014 (9 tahun yang lalu) dan kini tidak menetap di Malaysia. pic.twitter.com/2nK1fMJBp4
— Hannah Yeoh (@hannahyeoh) February 13, 2023
Since then, Bong has issued an apology on his Douyin account in which he addresses his comments. However, he does double down and mentions that there needs to be changes to BAM on every level.
The Badminton Association of Malaysia has also responded with a statement on their website and have sent an official complaint to the Chinese Badminton Association.
"The Association strongly condemns all forms of discrimination and will urge the CBA to take the necessary action against this individual. Such a racist person should never be hired to work as a coach in a sport so loved by millions of people of all races and religions." it says.