Shuttlecock politics: DAP trades smashes with PN

• UPDATED 4.23PM | Added Kampar MP Chong Zhemin’s comments in response.

Even after our national shuttlers had returned home from the 2024 Paris Olympics with two bronze medals, politicians are still trading smashes with each other.

The first smash came from Bersatu lawmaker Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad, who took offence with Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh lauding Thailand’s Kunlavut Vitidsarn for bagging silver in the men’s singles.

In an Instagram post, the DAP MP uploaded a photograph with world-number-eight Kunlavut (above, left), who defeated Malaysian ace Lee Zii Jia in the semifinals, stating: “I enjoy his style of badminton so much. So calm and collected. He has a new fan in me.”

Her post courted flak from netizens while Wan Fayhsal, who was the former deputy youth and sports minister, claimed that her remarks were insensitive.

“Please be sensitive to our athletes and, more importantly, the feelings of our supporters,” the Machang MP said in a social media post.

Leave ‘politics of hatred’ out of sports

Subsequently, another DAP lawmaker joined the match.

In his counter-smash, Kampar MP Chong Zhemin chided Wan Fayhsal for bringing the toxic politics of hatred into sports.

“There are many more Malaysians who have supported foreign football clubs and foreign national football teams but this does not mean Malaysians do not care and support Malaysian football clubs and our national football team.

“The Olympic spirit emphasises mutual understanding with a spirit of friendship, solidarity, and fair play. I urge Wan Fayhsal to leave his politics of hatred and animosity out of sports and not to divide Malaysians by politicising such trivial issues,” he added in a statement this afternoon.

Meanwhile, Yeoh also did not miss out on the opportunity to celebrate and snap photographs with national shuttlers, including Lee, which were shared on her social media.

“Medal winners for Paris 2024. The discussion with the association vs independent can wait for another day. For now, let’s celebrate this victory. Celebrate the success and well done to coach Wong Tat Meng for helping Lee succeed so far.

“Yes, there is a history with the Badminton Association of Malaysia. Yes, he was on the (road to gold) RTG for a while and then he decided otherwise and now he is completely free.

“But can we, as a nation, pause and celebrate the fact that this young man has come a long way, was selected on his own merit, and now made it to the Olympic podium?

“I will let you know all the details of the reward and financial support another day. For now, go out there and celebrate this victory. Congratulations and well done,” she said in her Instagram photo caption after Lee’s bronze medal success.

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