Source: Oriental
Image/Jiang Xu
[Saba Sports News] Lee
Chong Wei, a former national hero, has faced a shift in public opinion, going
from being highly regarded to being seen as a public enemy. The recent 2024
Malaysia Open concluded with disappointing results for Malaysian players. For
instance, Lee Zii Jia and Ng Tze Yong were eliminated in the first round. In
response, Lee Chong Wei openly criticized the national team players for their
perceived lack of honor. He specifically expressed dissatisfaction with some
players who had taken vacations prior to the Open. Lee Chong Wei’s comments
stirred controversy in Malaysia, with some fans resorting to online harassment
against him. Consequently, Lee Chong Wei, in an interview with the New Straits
Times, acknowledged the change in public sentiment. Despite the backlash, he
expressed his commitment to expressing his views and overseeing the current
state of Malaysian badminton due to his love for the sport and his country. Lee
Chong Wei emphasized that becoming the best athlete requires difficult choices
and sacrifices, and simply blaming the “generation gap” is not a
solution. He believes that every Malaysian has an equal responsibility to
foster cultural change if they want to see real progress.