Khairy Wants Rashid Back

SPORTS Minister Khairy Jamaluddin hopes Rashid Sidek will reconsider his decision to quit as national singles coach and return to the BA of Malaysia (BAM).
 Rashid stepped down after failing to see eye-to-eye with BAM talent management group director Tan Aik Mong, whose attempt to change the coaching structure had unsettled a number of coaches. Aik Mong had relinquished his role after BAM president Tengku Mahaleel Tengku Ariff reversed some of the changes he instituted.
 Khairy said he discussed the issues affecting BAM with Tengku Mahaleel on Wednesday and he hopes Aik Mong's exit will pave the way for Rashid's return. "I consider the matter involving Rashid and (Tey) Seu Bock closed," said Khairy after launching the 13th Asian Federation of Sports Medicine Congress in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.
 "I was informed by Tengku Mahaleel that firstly, BAM has accepted the explanation from Rashid and Seu Bock (regarding their coaching stints in the Indian Badminton League). "I requested that this matter be handled with the utmost discretion because there is no point in everyone getting upset.
 "I hope Rashid will reconsider his decision and I understand an offer has been made to Rashid. "His return would be important because he has a harmonious relationship with Lee Chong Wei and has plenty of coaching experience. "Aik Mong has gladly decided to step back after laying the base for the new coaching structure and I hope we can close this chapter and look forward to the future."
 Separately, Khairy said a bigger allocation has been requested from the government for the National Sports Institute (NSI). "Currently NSI receives a RM30 million annual grant, not including RM17 million for four years under the Road to Rio (Olympics) programme," said Khairy.
 "We are trying to get a bigger allocation after a request from the chief executive, Datuk Dr Ramlan Aziz. "We are trying to accommodate his request but the increase depends on the finance ministry. NSI plays a vital role in providing the latest sports science and medical services and this will help them greatly."