THOUGH Roslin Hashim has dropped his plans to sue the BA of Malaysia for omitting him from the Singapore and Indonesia Opens, he still wants to make the national association pay.

He has come up with some ‘tough’ demands that could cost the national association half a million ringgit.

Roslin, who decided not to drag BAM to court on the advice of Sports Minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said four days ago, yesterday handed over a list of complaints and demands to Sports Commissioner Tan Sri Elyas Omar in the presence of Nusa Mahsuri president Jalani Sidek in Bukit Jalil.

The veteran shuttler claimed that BAM’s blunder has cost him dearly, and he wants compensation for being unable to compete in two super series tournaments.

Roslin wants BAM to pay him US$36,000 (RM126,000), the total prize money for the men’s singles titles in the two events, RM70,000 (the amount that Yonex will deduct from its total sponsorship to Roslin’s club Nusa Mahsuri for his absence in Singapore and Indonesia) and a contractual bonus of RM5,000 if Roslin wins the Singapore Open.
On top of that, Roslin wants BAM to pay the total expenses of his participation in tournaments during the Olympic qualifying period (until April 30 next year). That could easily cost BAM close to RM300,000.

Roslin, who is aiming to qualify for the Beijing Olympics next year, intends to compete in 15 to 20 tournaments during the qualifying period.

The Singapore and Indonesian Opens are the final evaluation tournaments before BAM confirms its squad for the World Championships in Kuala Lumpur on Aug 13-19. Having missed both, Roslin wants BAM to grant him the third slot.

Lee Chong Wei, ranked World No 5, and Hafiz Hashim, World No 9, have secured the first two tickets. Roslin, ranked World No 18th, is in the running for the third slot with Lee Tsuen Seng (16th), Sairul Amar Ayob (21st) and Yeoh Kay Bin (24th).

"I’ve listened to the Sports Minister’s advice and listed down my complaints and requests to the Sports Commissioner. I feel this is the right channel to raise my dissatisfaction against BAM," said Roslin yesterday.

"I think my demands are fair. The compensation I’m seeking is the amount I’ll be losing because of the blunder by BAM.

"Since my chances of qualifying for the World Championships have been unfairly reduced as Singapore and Indonesia are the final evaluation for the World Championships, BAM must grant me a place in the major event.

"Missing the two tournaments will affect my world ranking, which is important to qualify for the Olympics, and BAM must send me for all the qualifying tournaments on their own expense.

"If this attempt falls through, going ahead with a legal suit may remain the only option."

Elyas, who expects to find an amicable solution, has requested Roslin to furnish him with more information which will help him to conduct a thorough investigation.

"There have been complaints (from athletes), but this is the first time an athlete is seeking compensation. I’ve received Roslin’s letter but I’ve also asked for more details so that I can investigate," said Elyas.

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