KUALA LUMPUR, June 2 — Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) president Datuk Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria has yesterday denied claims it is disposing of their property in Taman Maluri in Kuala Lumpur to clear mounting debts.

Norza said BAM is considering selling the property since real estate is not its core business, and it is going to build academies across the country.

"Besides Bukit Kiara, we want to build academies by region. The one in Sarawak is about to take off and we are working with the state government on this. Besides that, we are having one in Johor and Penang. We cannot be so centralised and expect players to emerge from the traditional states.

"So instead of keeping an asset like Maluri, we are basically considering letting it go but it must be sold in a proper way,” Norza told Malay Mail.

The six-acre land that was given to BAM on lease by the government back in the 1990’s but since moving to their own home in Bukit Kiara, it was rented to Sri Garden International School.

The land was obtained through the efforts of the late Tan Sri Elyas Omar and Datuk Punch Gunalan who were BAM president and secretary then. It was put under three trustees: Elyas, Datuk Seri Dr Abdullah Fadzil Che Wan and deputy president Datuk Roland Wong.

Norza moved to clarify there is no issue with going through with the sale as all three trustees were operating under the purview of BAM.

"They were the trustees for BAM, so ultimately BAM will decide,” said Norza.

"However, everything will be done in a transparent way. We will engage the 15 state affiliates so they will comprehend what we are doing. Our deputy Datuk Wira Lim [Teong Kiat] will chair a committee to look into the possibility of the sale.

"If the sale does go through, then the committee is in charge of putting forth proposals on the best way to utilise the funds. We are not selling the premises on a whim, there has been plenty of thought,” he added.

With the new Pakatan Harapan government installed and cost-cutting of big ticket projects at a premium, it will be hard for any sports association in Malaysia to secure funds, hence the sale of Maluri has tremendous benefits for the shuttlers who will eventually come through the programme.

Norza is never one to shy away at making radical changes as he bids to restore the fortunes of Malaysian badminton.

The ultimate goal would be a gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.