SEA Games' fairness slur leads to investigation

Manila: President Gloria Arroyo has ordered an investigation into allegations of rigging in the ongoing 23rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games after Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra aired doubts over the event's fairness.

"I am concerned over the remarks of an ally and good friend, Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, on the ongoing Southeast Asian Games," the President said while insisting the controversy will not damage ties between the two countries.

Arroyo directed games officials to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the matter within 24 hours.

The Philippine leader pointed out that it is "everyone's duty to be just and fair without any bias towards any country or team".

Arroyo was referring to published reports in English language newspapers in Thailand and Malaysia casting doubts on officiating and fair play in the Games, the biggest sports event in the region. The Philippines is hosting the Games for the third time since they started in 1977.

The report quoted Thaksin as expressing doubt on the fairness of the judging of the competitions, especially after Thai athletes won only 17 gold medals after four days in the nine-day, 11-nation meet.

Thaksin suggested the Philippines had made accumulating gold medals a priority over upholding the biennial event.

"I have been following the SEA Games closely and believe that the Games should exist to help athletes lift their standards," Thaksin said. "It should not be about winning gold medals."