KUALA LUMPUR: Lee Chong Wei insists he will not stop speaking his mind or questioning the standard of Malaysian badminton even if it turns him from national hero to public enemy.
The former World No.1 and three-time Olympic silver medallist told Timesport that he is aware of the criticism levelled at him since he lashed out at the national shuttlers for their shambolic performances at the recent Petronas Malaysia Open.
However, the 12-time Malaysia Open champion is unfazed by the comments against him on social media.
"For the love of the game and for the love of my country, I will continue speaking my mind and questioning the standard of Malaysian badminton," he said.
"Yes, I've read the comments, I've even had friends asking me to give up, enjoy my retirement than be subject to armchair critics.
"They say I'm old fashioned, they say times have changed, some even said in today's world, it's all about work-life balance.
"I don't disagree, but this is sports we're talking about, and athletes only have a very short time to excel. Miss the boat and it's over.
"When I questioned our national players holidaying so close to the Malaysia Open, I didn't say they shouldn't go on holiday at all. I questioned their timing.
"Everyone can be an athlete, but to be the best, you have to make the tough choices and sacrifice."
Chong Wei reiterated that pointing the finger at the generational gap is not the solution. Every Malaysian must take equal responsibility in instilling cultural reforms, or nothing will change.
"I'm the public enemy now because I dare to voice out, I have to.
"If we run things like how they do in China, South Korea or even Japan, we won't be seeing this decline in our sports.
"Culturally, we have enabled this. We celebrate mediocrity," added Chong Wei, who until today, still holds the record for being the longest world No. 1, a total of 349 weeks, including a 199-week streak from Aug 21, 2008 to June 14, 2012.
It is understood that Chong Wei, who is also a Road to Gold (RTG) committee member, has met the coaching staff at the Academy Badminton Malaysia to see how he can help to stop the rot.
