KUALA LUMPUR: The BA of Malaysia (BAM) today reiterated that they condemn all forms of racism and discrimination.
This comes in light of the "black and white" reference made towards national women's doubles Pearly Tan-M.Thinaah by Indonesian coach Eng Hian while giving instructions to his charges, Febriana Dwipuji Kusuma-Amalia Cahaya Pratiwi, during a match interval at the French Open in Paris.
After coming under heavy criticism for his ignorant comment, the former Olympic bronze medallist issued a public apology saying he meant no harm and had no intention of disrespecting the world No 11 Malaysian pair.
BAM secretary-general Datuk Kenny Goh said the national body does not tolerate any form of racism and discrimination.
Kenny, however, added that BAM will not push for any further action as Eng Hian has issued an apology.
"We stand firm by our statement that we strongly condemn all forms of racism and discrimination and will not tolerate them.
"Having said that, Eng Hian has issued a sincere apology, and we accept it. We know Eng Hian, and he is a world-class coach. We accept that he meant no harm.
"However, this matter should serve as a lesson for everyone. We will move on from this," Kenny told Timesport today.
Meanwhile, national coach Hoon Thien How does not want Pearly-Thinaah to be distracted by the issue after becoming only the second Malaysian women's doubles to reach the French Open final on Saturday.
The high-flying Malaysians not only upset world No 3 Nami Matsuyama-Chiharu Shida of Japan in the quarter-finals on Friday, but last week's Denmark Open runners-up, Baek Ha Na-Lee So Hee of South Korea in the semi-finals en route to the final.
"We didn't really bother about the comments. Pearly-Thinaah are playing really well here, we don't need distractions now.
"Having come this far, I just want the girls to go all out," said Thien How.
Standing in the way of Pearly-Thinaah and a maiden Super 750 title are world No 7 Mayu Matsumoto-Wakana Nagahara of Japan.