The substance found in a doping test conducted on a national shuttler, dexamethasone, was taken for rehabilitation purposes, said Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin.

Commenting on the national shuttler's suspension from competitions, he said the case might even be a "freak incident".

"The athlete was administered with the drug for medicinal purposes as he was undergoing treatment for an injury," Khairy said at the launch of the TCBY frozen yogurt outlet at Quill City Mall today.

"The substance is only banned during tournaments."

He also dismissed claims that the particular athlete had taken recreational drugs.

"I know that people make fun of the athlete's name, saying he takes recreational drugs.

"But no, dexamethasone is not even a performance enhancing drug," he said.

Earlier the Badminton Association of Malaysia confirmed the national shuttler's second urine sample tested positive for dexamethasone.

However, BAM could not be name him due to Badminton World Federation (BWF) regulations, pending a BWF hearing.

It is widely-reported that the shuttler is world number one Lee Chong Wei (above) .

Lee had himself witnessed the unsealing of the second sample before the test was conducted in Oslo, Norway on Nov 5.

Not systemic

Lee was reportedly injured when he underwent the random doping test on Aug 30. The athlete risks a ban from the sport for up to two years.

Khairy said the controversy is unlikely to hurt Malaysian badminton in the long term as it is a "unique incident" and not systemic.

This is unlike in the case of cyclist Lance Armstrong, where officials were also implicated.

"It wasn't just one athlete, it was a conspiracy involving athletes and officials," he said.

"In this particular case it's a unique, even possibly, freak incident. It's not a systemic problem, it's an exception that has taken place."

He also said that he believes the sport of badminton in Malaysia will not be affected in the long run.

The Rembau MP said that he had called the shuttler today to convey his support as the athlete was "anxious" and "concerned" about his future.

"I told him to hang in there, and that we will do our best to get facts prepared for the doping hearing," he said.

Armstrong, was stripped of his seven Le Tour De France titles after he was found using blood transfusions to boost his performance.

Dexamethasone, also a steroid, is most commonly used to treat allergies due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

The minister stressed that the government and BAM are not trying to "shield" the athlete.

He said although the shuttler’s identity is widely-reported, BAM is bound by the Badminton World Federation regulations.

"After the hearing is concluded, BWF will decide whether the athlete is suspended or otherwise."

"BWF had made it very clear in writing that only they have the right to announce the identity of the athlete."

The date for the hearing has yet to be set.

Meanwhile, BAM patron Rosmah Mansor said she hoped the shuttler will be treated fairly by BWF.

"I hope he will be patient and we are waiting for the final decision. I don't know when and I hope he will be given due justice. We leave it to the authorities concerned to decide," she was reported as saying by Bernama .

Rosmah said she also hoped that badminton fans would understand the situation faced by the player and continue to give their support regardless of the outcome.

BAM: Sample B 'positive', shuttler suspended