 Prior to the 1969-1970 Thomas Cup series the defending champion nation had been exempt from earlier play, needing only to defeat a challenger in a single, conclusive "challenge round" tie.Beginning with this series, however, the defending champion received a bye only to an inter-zone semifinal tie, needing to win this contest and the inter-zone final in order to retain the Cup.Malaysia, defending its title at home in Kuala Lumpur, drew a Danish team which was missing two of its leading "regulars."