Kuala Lumpur – The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) has reaffirmed its stance in the ongoing contract negotiations with national women’s doubles pair, M. Thinaah and Pearly Tan, amid growing speculation about their future.
The duo, popularly known as Pearly-Thinaah, have been key players for Malaysia, achieving significant milestones, including a historic Commonwealth Games gold medal in 2022 and multiple top finishes in BWF World Tour events. However, their current contract terms with BAM have become a point of contention, with both sides yet to reach an agreement.
BAM’s Secretary-General, Datuk Kenny Goh, stated that the association remains committed to supporting the pair but emphasized the need for mutual understanding regarding contractual obligations. “We value Pearly and Thinaah’s contributions to Malaysian badminton, but any agreement must align with BAM’s long-term objectives and policies,” he said.
Sources suggest that the pair are seeking greater flexibility in tournament participation and sponsorship deals, while BAM insists on maintaining centralized control over players’ schedules to ensure optimal preparation for major events, including the 2026 Asian Games and the 2028 Olympics.
Pearly-Thinaah’s coach, Nova Widianto, expressed hope for an amicable resolution, stating, “Both sides want what’s best for Malaysian badminton. We believe a fair solution can be reached soon.”
Fans have taken to social media to voice their support for the pair, urging BAM to consider their demands to avoid potential disruptions to their career progress.
As discussions continue, the badminton community awaits an official update, hoping for a positive outcome that keeps one of Malaysia’s most promising pairs on track for future success.
