MISBUN Sidek has officially parted ways with the BA of Malaysia (BAM) after eight years as the national singles coach as he rejected a new offer from the association yesterday.

Misbun sent a letter to BAM president Datuk Nadzmi Salleh on Wednesday informing him of his decision and it was unanimously accepted by the executive council (Exco) meeting yesterday.

BAM deputy president Tengku Kamil Ismail Tengku Idris Shah, who chaired the Exco meeting in the absence of Nadzmi, said although Misbun's decision was surprising, the Exco members respected Misbun's stand.

Misbun was offered the job of coaching several back-up squad players, including his son Misbun Ramdan, and an elite player but the former decided not to further associate himself with BAM after serving as the national singles coach since 2003.

"Misbun sent a letter to the president stating he has rejected BAM's offer yesterday (Wednesday) and unanimously, the Exco respects and accepts his decision," said Tengku Kamil.

"He didn't state any reason for rejecting the offer.

"I was quite surprised that he came to the decision. Misbun has contributed so much to BAM and the development of badminton over the years and we thank him for his services."

Exco member Datuk Sayed Abu Bakar Abdullah said Misbun should have accepted the contract.

"I feel that Misbun should have accepted the position and use the opportunity to produce new top class players," said Abu Bakar, who is also the Terengganu BA president.

"Lee Chong Wei is a special talent who doesn't need much mentoring at this stage but Misbun's expertise is needed to groom the back-up players.

"Misbun's move was a surprise because it has taken almost four months before he arrived to this conclusion."

Ramdan will remain with the back-up squad under Hendrawan as Misbun didn't make any request for his son to leave BAM.

Meanwhile, the recently retired Wong Mew Choo has accepted an offer to become the girls singles coach of the national junior squad and she will begin her duties on Monday.

The Exco also decided to postpone BAM's Annual General Meeting (AGM) on May 14 as the appointed auditing firm failed to audit the accounts.

However, an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) will be held on the same day to elect the second deputy president and also appoint a new auditing firm.

Maybank Group president and chief executive officer Datuk Seri Abdul Wahid Omar is expected to be elected unopposed.

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