KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's relegation in the Davis Cup is a clear sign that Malaysian tennis needs to change.
That is the view of former national tennis player Dr Rahizam Rahim.
Rahizam said that all stakeholders must come together and work towards creating a better future for the sport rather than playing the blame game.
Malaysia suffered a poor outing in the Asia-Oceania Group III competition which concluded in Jordan on Saturday, finishing last from five nations in Pool A and were subsequently relegated.
For the first time in history, Malaysia will play in the Group IV division next year.
"The result in Jordan was, without a doubt, very disappointing," said Rahizam today.
"Being relegated to Group IV for the first time, below Singapore, Saudi Arabia and Jordan, was humiliating. These are teams we used to beat 5-0 in the past.
"The Davis Cup is a prestigious competition for all tennis-playing countries. It reflects the standard of tennis in a nation and the success of its development programme.
"The Davis Cup requires the team to work together. It's a collective effort and building teamwork requires time which cannot be achieved when trials or call ups are done at the 11th hour and there is inadequate training for the players."
Rahizam added that a lack of funding cannot be used as an excuse every time Malaysia suffers a poor result.
Tennis Malaysia (TM) stated that a lack of resources limited their ability to prepare the squad and secure a strong lineup of players.
"Funding is always a critical issue but cannot be used as an excuse time and again. The practise of digging a hole to cover another is clearly not working," said Rahizam.
"Sponsorship is only one method of raising funds. There are also many other ways to raise funds. The (TM) posts come with great responsibilities.
"Of course, it's always easier said than done. Some may take pleasure in adding insult to injury without having to carry out the task themselves, but who cares.
"Our sport need more than just comments behind the screens. Come forward and take courage for the sport.
"The result in Jordan should serve as a wake-up call, taking a different approach is imperative. It is time to break out of the comfort zone."
TM said they could not fulfil demands made by Koay Hao Sheng and Mitsuki Leong, the nation's top-two ranked players, and thus they were not part of the Davis Cup squad.
Rahizam said both TM and the players should do better.
"Players need to remember that the association, whether directly or indirectly, has played a role in their development over the years.
"Almost all of our top players today competed in TM-organised tournaments and circuits when they were juniors and some of them were even sent for training and tournaments abroad by TM. They were also given wildcards.
"But TM also have to play their part and plan out preparation for tournaments properly. They need to give the players the support. They cannot do things at the last minute.
"When we do well in tournaments such as the Davis Cup, it is easier for both the association as well as the players to seek support from sponsors and subsequently grow the game."
Hao Sheng, who is a full-time coach, requested that he be compensated for loss of income during the preparation and competition period for the Davis Cup.
It is understood that Mitsuki, who is a full-time touring professional, had sought an allocation from TM to help cover the high costs of travelling and competing abroad.
Rahizam served as Davis Cup captain in 1996, 2002 and 2004-2009 and was also TM (formerly known as Lawn Tennis Association of Malaysia) honorary secretary from 2015-2019.
The associate professor is currently deputy dean (student affairs) at Universiti Teknologi Mara's Faculty of Sports Science and Recreation.