KUALA LUMPUR – National men’s singles shuttler Lee Zii Jia has made an offer to his former coach, Indra Wijaya, said Indra’s lawyer Muhammad Yazid Mohamad Salim, who was appointed by Messrs Wan Ahmad Ridzuan and Co.
Speaking with The Vibes, Yazid said the nature of the offer, nevertheless, cannot be disclosed due to legal reasons.
The offer was made through LZJ Management Sdn Bhd (LZJMSB) despite surpassing the seven-day period set by the Industrial Relations Department (JPP) during their first mediation meeting on February 23.
Following the meeting, both parties were required to come up with any form of reply or offer within the period stated.
“The officer (Nor Asyrin Baharudin) provided seven days for LZJMSB to come up with any form of reply or offer, but nothing was expressed till the final day,” he said.
Yazid noted that his Indonesian client was given until March 13 to respond to the offer.
“I am in the process of discussing with Indra regarding his reply to the JPP officer.
“If he does not agree with the offer, the matter ought to be referred directly to the Industrial Court. That is the procedure,” he added.
Last month, Indra claimed to be callously terminated as a badminton coach with Lee Zii Jia Badminton Club.
As stipulated under the 1967 Industrial Relations Act, Indra filed an appeal with JPP within 60 days from the time of termination, which was on November 26.
Yazid noted, under the act, Indra could seek compensation for unlawful termination of his contract, in lieu of his 24 months’ worth of salary.
For the record, his contract of employment was signed for three years until 2024.
“According to Malaysia’s industrial law, an employer must have a reasonable excuse to terminate its employee.
“If the termination is without just cause, the employee (under a fixed-term employment contract) has every right over full compensation for the remaining period of the employee’s contract,” he explained.
In the meantime, Indra has just started his new career with the Indonesia Badminton Association on March 1 as head coach for the women’s singles sector. – The Vibes, March 8, 2023
