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SEA Games 2019: Singapore Muslim athletes served pork despite reminders, Asia News
- Thread starter AhMeng
- Start date
Don't the philippinos know that pork is unhealthy and taste terrible? Unlike lamb!
And that malays refrain from eating pork as it reminds them of their chinese friends!
And that malays refrain from eating pork as it reminds them of their chinese friends!
I thought they are mostly fishermen.Baboy is the national meat of Pinoyland. Deal with it.
Once go pork never go back...
SEA Games 2019: Singapore Muslim athletes served pork despite reminders, Asia News
www.asiaone.com
Philippines Muslim officials are hoping SEA Games organisers can work quickly to ensure a sufficient supply of halal food to visiting delegations after Singapore athletes complained they were served meals containing pork.
Ramadan Aguan, information officer with the National Commission for Filipino Muslims (NCFM), said games organisers had ignored reminders from the body to serve halal food, which means no pork and meat that is slaughtered according to Islamic rituals.
This week's incident prompted the Singapore team's chef de mission, Juliana Seow, to write a letter of complaint to organisers PHISGOC. Even non-Muslim countries are unhappy about the food, saying the menu is limited, it lacked the nutritional value needed for athletes to perform, while drinking water is also scarce.
"We have some sort of problem because the organisers of the SEA Games have not been able to provide halal food," Aguan told the SCMP. "Our organisation sent many reminders to them to make sure they have sufficient supplies of halal food but for some reason, we don't know why, they did not consider it."
"We hope the problem can be resolved soon and we are confident that it will," added Aguan, who said the issue is being addressed at the highest levels.
Seow told Philippines media that they were forced to order food from outside for their Muslim athletes, who were served kikiam - a kind of pork roll. During one meal, all they had to eat was rice, pita bread and aubergine.Singapore is one of a number of nations fielding Muslim athletes, along with Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei. Apart from the food, Games organisers have been accused of incompetence for a number of transport and accreditation problems, with arriving teams left stranded at the airport or being sent to the wrong hotel.
"We had tried our best to be patient and understanding," Seow was quoted as saying. "As much as we had tried to resolve the situation ourselves, as well as with our sports and you, these situations cannot continue any further as our athletes are badly affected and are not able to prepare for the games effectively."
NCMF external affairs director Dimapuno Alonto Datu Ramos Jnr said organisers seemed aloof to requests to prepare halal food during the lead-up to the games.
"But it was always the same answer from them: we will contact you. They did initially, but then it was the NCMF which was always following up and offering to help," he was quoted as saying.
The 30th edition of the SEA Games features 11 countries from the ASEAN region. The Games kick off on Saturday and run until December 11.
This article was first published in South China Morning Post.
Pork can't kill. Bullets, drugs can. Stop whining!
Technically possible . When you got nothing else to eat, everything including pork is halal.
You who believe, eat the good things We have provided for you and be grateful to God , if it is Him that you worship. He has only forbidden you carrion, blood, pig’s meat, and animals over which any name other than God’s has been invoked. But if anyone is forced to eat such things by hunger, rather than desire or excess, he commits no sin: God is most merciful and forgiving. (Quran 2:173–174)
But the lup cheong is it? Too sweet! How to eat! Makes me want to throw up!
fake news la.....but don't dare to put babi into the meal
The pinoys have proven that they are not afraid to F the mudslimes and their BS...in Rome one does as Romans do. If mudslimes don't like it. Go to a mudslime cuntry
Philippines' Duterte calls for probe after chaotic SEA Games build-up
Workers walk past ASEAN members' flags next to the Aquatic centre in New Clark City, in Capas town, Tarlac province north of Manila on Nov 26, 2019, days ahead of the opening ceremony of SEA Games. (Photo: TED ALJIBE/AFP)
29 Nov 2019 02:01PM
(Updated: 29 Nov 2019 02:45PM)
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CLARK, Phillipines: Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has called for a probe into the preparations for the Southeast Asian Games, which start on Saturday (Nov 30) after a messy build-up marked by last-minute construction and logistical problems.
Complaints over transport, accommodation and food stacked up as thousands of athletes flood in for the biggest ever edition of the Games, which are also threatened by an approaching typhoon forecast to hit the northern Philippines early next week.
Red-faced organisers apologised and promised to do better, but after criticism grew under a mocking hashtag, #SEAGamesfail, Duterte waded into the furore late Thursday.
"I said let us investigate. Do not create a firestorm now because we are in the thick of preparations," he told reporters.
"To me personally there was a lot of money poured into this activity," he added. "Now I suppose that with that kind of money you can run things smoothly. Apparently, maybe something went wrong."
Two toilets in one stall are seen at the Rizal memorial sports complex in Manila. (Photo: AFP/DANTE DIOSINA JR)
Earlier, however, the PHISGOC organising committee chairman Alan Peter Cayetano remained upbeat.
"First and foremost, this is going to be a great hosting," he said. "You will be very, very proud of your country, of your athletes once the SEA Games are over."
READ: Singapore’s Muslim athletes were not served pork at SEA Games: SNOC
In matters out of its own hands, the Philippines is also bracing for a typhoon which national forecasters warn is steadily intensifying.
PAGASA said Typhoon Kammuri - which is packing gusts of 170km per hour and maximum sustained winds of 225km/h - is presently heading right for Games venues in the north of the country and is expected to make landfall on Tuesday.
Workers have been making last-minute preparations at SEA Games sites AFP/TED ALJIBE
TIGHT SECURITY
This year's Games in Clark, Manila and Subic, which run through to Dec 11, are particularly complex with a record 56 sports across dozens of venues that are in some cases hours' drive apart, even before Manila's notorious gridlock traffic is factored in.
The vast scale of the multi-sport event has included erecting a massive sports complex in New Clark City, which is at least two hours' drive north from the capital.
The Philippines' path towards Saturday's opening ceremony - an all-singing, all-dancing celebration of the island nation - has been tortuous from the start.
Manila in July 2017 suddenly pulled out of hosting the Games to focus on rebuilding the southern city of Marawi which was heavily damaged during seige by jihadists.
But officials made a U-turn just one month later after securing backing from Duterte.
Security remains a top concern, and police have increased visibility at nightspots near competition venues and suspended Filipinos' right to carry firearms outside their homes.
Almost 16,000 policemen are deployed in various parts of greater Manila, particularly in the venues and hotels where athletes and other delegations are billeted.
Workers walk past ASEAN members' flags next to the Aquatic centre in New Clark City, in Capas town, Tarlac province north of Manila on Nov 26, 2019, days ahead of the opening ceremony of SEA Games. (Photo: TED ALJIBE/AFP)
29 Nov 2019 02:01PM
(Updated: 29 Nov 2019 02:45PM)
Share this content
Bookmark
CLARK, Phillipines: Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has called for a probe into the preparations for the Southeast Asian Games, which start on Saturday (Nov 30) after a messy build-up marked by last-minute construction and logistical problems.
Complaints over transport, accommodation and food stacked up as thousands of athletes flood in for the biggest ever edition of the Games, which are also threatened by an approaching typhoon forecast to hit the northern Philippines early next week.
Red-faced organisers apologised and promised to do better, but after criticism grew under a mocking hashtag, #SEAGamesfail, Duterte waded into the furore late Thursday.
"I said let us investigate. Do not create a firestorm now because we are in the thick of preparations," he told reporters.
"To me personally there was a lot of money poured into this activity," he added. "Now I suppose that with that kind of money you can run things smoothly. Apparently, maybe something went wrong."
Two toilets in one stall are seen at the Rizal memorial sports complex in Manila. (Photo: AFP/DANTE DIOSINA JR)
Earlier, however, the PHISGOC organising committee chairman Alan Peter Cayetano remained upbeat.
"First and foremost, this is going to be a great hosting," he said. "You will be very, very proud of your country, of your athletes once the SEA Games are over."
READ: Singapore’s Muslim athletes were not served pork at SEA Games: SNOC
In matters out of its own hands, the Philippines is also bracing for a typhoon which national forecasters warn is steadily intensifying.
PAGASA said Typhoon Kammuri - which is packing gusts of 170km per hour and maximum sustained winds of 225km/h - is presently heading right for Games venues in the north of the country and is expected to make landfall on Tuesday.
TIGHT SECURITY
This year's Games in Clark, Manila and Subic, which run through to Dec 11, are particularly complex with a record 56 sports across dozens of venues that are in some cases hours' drive apart, even before Manila's notorious gridlock traffic is factored in.
The vast scale of the multi-sport event has included erecting a massive sports complex in New Clark City, which is at least two hours' drive north from the capital.
The Philippines' path towards Saturday's opening ceremony - an all-singing, all-dancing celebration of the island nation - has been tortuous from the start.
Manila in July 2017 suddenly pulled out of hosting the Games to focus on rebuilding the southern city of Marawi which was heavily damaged during seige by jihadists.
But officials made a U-turn just one month later after securing backing from Duterte.
Security remains a top concern, and police have increased visibility at nightspots near competition venues and suspended Filipinos' right to carry firearms outside their homes.
Almost 16,000 policemen are deployed in various parts of greater Manila, particularly in the venues and hotels where athletes and other delegations are billeted.
Don't entice abu sayaf to attack manila
I hope they do. Good excuse to eliminate the mudslimes
Commentary: Let’s hold off judging the Philippines as SEA Games host
Much of the criticism of the Philippines’ organising of the SEA Games is premature and unfair.
Workers walk past ASEAN members' flags next to the Aquatic centre in New Clark City, in Capas town, Tarlac province north of Manila on Nov 26, 2019, days ahead of the opening ceremony of SEA Games. (Photo: TED ALJIBE/AFP)Share this content
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SINGAPORE: Even before the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games torch is lit in Manila on Saturday (Nov 30), the host country has come under fire.
CREDIBILITY HIT
Complaints have included incomplete infrastructure for the Games, with work still being done to the façade of the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, and international journalists being stationed in a makeshift media centre.
The management of athletes has also fallen short as reports showed some resting on the floor because hotels were not ready to check them in yet, while others have complained of insufficient or poor provision of food.
Journalists wait for a press conference at a temporary media center at the Rizal memorial sports complex in Manila. (Photo: AFP/STR)
The Thai football team reportedly trained in the streets because the training facilities allocated to them were just too far away from their hotel.
Such reports and more coming out of the Philippines have dealt something of a blow to the country’s reputation and credibility.
READ: Philippine SEA Games organisers push back against media coverage
However, while athletes and officials have valid reasons for griping, some of the criticism levied at the Philippines is just unfair and premature.
A DEVELOPING PROBLEM?
Some have said that the Philippines’ lack of preparation for these games is due to its ineptitude.
READ: Win or don't eat: The Philippines' poverty-driven, world-beating pool stars
One reader commented: “That's what you get for hosting in a third world country. The Philippines President is doing his best to clean up the country but the ungrateful people kept trying to undo his efforts.”
Workers have been making last-minute preparations at SEA Games sites AFP/TED ALJIBE
But hosting large international and regional sporting events can be a logistical challenge for any country, even the most savvy and well-practised in organising global events.
When American city Atlanta hosted the 1996 Olympics, poor transportation planning saw athletes and fans delayed for events in extra-long bus rides with drivers from out of town trying to navigate the city’s complex highways.
Scheduling of the Olympics itself came under criticism as the July-August period coincides with Atlanta’s hottest period each year.
The first weekend of those Games saw athletes braving temperatures that exceeded 37 degrees Celsius.
There was also the tragic incident of a bomb exploding in the Centennial Olympic Park which killed two and wounded more than 100.
Spain infuriated international footballers through airport and flight delays, ticketing and hotel mess-ups when it hosted the 1982 World Cup.
Logistics lapses over meals for volunteers and food poisoning were also a part of Singapore’s hosting of the Youth Olympic Games in 2010.
READ: Olympic chief says will "do everything" to ensure Russia at 2020 Games
The Philippines may have had some hiccups in the lead up to the opening ceremony of the SEA Games.
But having hosted three successful editions of the regional competition before in 1981, 1991 and 2005, it has a pretty decent track-record of delivering the goods when it matters.
LET THE GAMES BEGIN
Second, it is a little premature to pass a verdict when the SEA Games have not even officially begun. From my experience, host countries eventually find a way to iron out teething issues.
In 2014, just months before Brazil hosted the World Cup, international media reports suggested that the South American football-crazy country was ill-prepared.
Citing the country’s high crime rate and infrastructural lapses, such as incomplete stadiums and a link-bridge collapsing, many said that Brazil would be unable to ensure the safety and security of travelling fans.
It so happened I was one of those fans who had planned to watch five matches in Brazil. Despite the trepidation of family and friends, I flew to Brazil.
What I saw first-hand surprised me. Well-organised processes and efficient public transportation ensured that fans getting to the swanky, new stadiums had a seamless, safe and enjoyable experience.
The Brazilian government’s US$900 million spending on security for the tournament was evident as armed security forces lined the streets near hotels, stadiums, city-centres and tourist attractions.
Yes, there were initial delays and hiccups in getting the places ready for the tournament.
But for all the initial misgivings, the Brazilians eventually delivered a pretty stellar tournament.
Four years later, the Russians also succumbed to similar criticism in the lead up to its hosting of the 2018 World Cup. Again, concerns of safety, security and preparation were raised.
And again, armed with tickets to four matches, I travelled to Russia.
In my two weeks there, I went to different cities in comfortable and high-speed overnight sleeper trains, which were free-of-charge to all match-ticket holders.
READ: UEFA president backs Russia to be good host for Euro 2020
Along with the transport, the match infrastructure was impeccable with orderly queues to enter the stadiums and fan-zones.
English-trained Russian student volunteers were readily available to guide visitors and help us manoeuvre local signs and eateries.
The presence of security was prominent throughout the country while Russia’s initiative of issuing electronic fan ID passes to all registered match-ticket holders ensured a safe environment for fans.
Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) and FIFA President Gianni Infantino (C) visit a 2018 FIFA World Cup FAN ID distribution centre in Sochi, Russia May 3, 2018. Sputnik/Aleksey Nikolskyi/Kremlin via REUTERS
These experiences tell me that we should perhaps rate the Philippines after the competition is over. And that, like Brazil and Russia, it may be ready by the time the SEA Games officially opens this weekend.
A FORGETTABLE INDIAN SUMMER
Admittedly, not all host nations get there. For example, when India hosted the 2010 Commonwealth Games, it came under the international spotlight for the wrong reasons.
The slow pace of work and bureaucratic hurdles meant that two-thirds of venues were behind schedule a year before the Games were to be hosted, prompting the Commonwealth Games Federation chief Mike Fennell to sound the alarm bells.
“(T)he current situation poses a serious risk to the Commonwealth Games in 2010,” he reportedly wrote in a letter to the local organising committee.
READ: Golf: Asian Tour event in India shortened amid severe smog
India went on to host the Games but not without hiccups. Participating nations complained about accommodation as the athletes’ village lacked proper safety and reeked of poor hygiene standards, including exposed electrical wiring, plumbing problems, dirty facilities and flooding outside the accommodation.
Several top athletes pulled out of the Games citing risks to their health and safety.
The 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi were plagued by delays and corruption AFP/William WEST
Embarrassed by the negative publicity generated by the international media, the Indians scurried to fix the problems but they reacted too slowly and to little avail.
The Indian government took a strong stand only after the Games were over. It even ordered a probe on suspected corruption among organising officials.
Much of the criticism of the Philippines’ organising of the SEA Games is premature and unfair.
Workers walk past ASEAN members' flags next to the Aquatic centre in New Clark City, in Capas town, Tarlac province north of Manila on Nov 26, 2019, days ahead of the opening ceremony of SEA Games. (Photo: TED ALJIBE/AFP)Share this content
Bookmark
SINGAPORE: Even before the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games torch is lit in Manila on Saturday (Nov 30), the host country has come under fire.
CREDIBILITY HIT
Complaints have included incomplete infrastructure for the Games, with work still being done to the façade of the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, and international journalists being stationed in a makeshift media centre.
The management of athletes has also fallen short as reports showed some resting on the floor because hotels were not ready to check them in yet, while others have complained of insufficient or poor provision of food.
Journalists wait for a press conference at a temporary media center at the Rizal memorial sports complex in Manila. (Photo: AFP/STR)
The Thai football team reportedly trained in the streets because the training facilities allocated to them were just too far away from their hotel.
Such reports and more coming out of the Philippines have dealt something of a blow to the country’s reputation and credibility.
READ: Philippine SEA Games organisers push back against media coverage
However, while athletes and officials have valid reasons for griping, some of the criticism levied at the Philippines is just unfair and premature.
A DEVELOPING PROBLEM?
Some have said that the Philippines’ lack of preparation for these games is due to its ineptitude.
READ: Win or don't eat: The Philippines' poverty-driven, world-beating pool stars
One reader commented: “That's what you get for hosting in a third world country. The Philippines President is doing his best to clean up the country but the ungrateful people kept trying to undo his efforts.”
But hosting large international and regional sporting events can be a logistical challenge for any country, even the most savvy and well-practised in organising global events.
When American city Atlanta hosted the 1996 Olympics, poor transportation planning saw athletes and fans delayed for events in extra-long bus rides with drivers from out of town trying to navigate the city’s complex highways.
Scheduling of the Olympics itself came under criticism as the July-August period coincides with Atlanta’s hottest period each year.
The first weekend of those Games saw athletes braving temperatures that exceeded 37 degrees Celsius.
There was also the tragic incident of a bomb exploding in the Centennial Olympic Park which killed two and wounded more than 100.
Spain infuriated international footballers through airport and flight delays, ticketing and hotel mess-ups when it hosted the 1982 World Cup.
Logistics lapses over meals for volunteers and food poisoning were also a part of Singapore’s hosting of the Youth Olympic Games in 2010.
READ: Olympic chief says will "do everything" to ensure Russia at 2020 Games
The Philippines may have had some hiccups in the lead up to the opening ceremony of the SEA Games.
But having hosted three successful editions of the regional competition before in 1981, 1991 and 2005, it has a pretty decent track-record of delivering the goods when it matters.
LET THE GAMES BEGIN
Second, it is a little premature to pass a verdict when the SEA Games have not even officially begun. From my experience, host countries eventually find a way to iron out teething issues.
In 2014, just months before Brazil hosted the World Cup, international media reports suggested that the South American football-crazy country was ill-prepared.
Citing the country’s high crime rate and infrastructural lapses, such as incomplete stadiums and a link-bridge collapsing, many said that Brazil would be unable to ensure the safety and security of travelling fans.
It so happened I was one of those fans who had planned to watch five matches in Brazil. Despite the trepidation of family and friends, I flew to Brazil.
What I saw first-hand surprised me. Well-organised processes and efficient public transportation ensured that fans getting to the swanky, new stadiums had a seamless, safe and enjoyable experience.
The Brazilian government’s US$900 million spending on security for the tournament was evident as armed security forces lined the streets near hotels, stadiums, city-centres and tourist attractions.
Yes, there were initial delays and hiccups in getting the places ready for the tournament.
But for all the initial misgivings, the Brazilians eventually delivered a pretty stellar tournament.
Four years later, the Russians also succumbed to similar criticism in the lead up to its hosting of the 2018 World Cup. Again, concerns of safety, security and preparation were raised.
And again, armed with tickets to four matches, I travelled to Russia.
In my two weeks there, I went to different cities in comfortable and high-speed overnight sleeper trains, which were free-of-charge to all match-ticket holders.
READ: UEFA president backs Russia to be good host for Euro 2020
Along with the transport, the match infrastructure was impeccable with orderly queues to enter the stadiums and fan-zones.
English-trained Russian student volunteers were readily available to guide visitors and help us manoeuvre local signs and eateries.
The presence of security was prominent throughout the country while Russia’s initiative of issuing electronic fan ID passes to all registered match-ticket holders ensured a safe environment for fans.
Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) and FIFA President Gianni Infantino (C) visit a 2018 FIFA World Cup FAN ID distribution centre in Sochi, Russia May 3, 2018. Sputnik/Aleksey Nikolskyi/Kremlin via REUTERS
These experiences tell me that we should perhaps rate the Philippines after the competition is over. And that, like Brazil and Russia, it may be ready by the time the SEA Games officially opens this weekend.
A FORGETTABLE INDIAN SUMMER
Admittedly, not all host nations get there. For example, when India hosted the 2010 Commonwealth Games, it came under the international spotlight for the wrong reasons.
The slow pace of work and bureaucratic hurdles meant that two-thirds of venues were behind schedule a year before the Games were to be hosted, prompting the Commonwealth Games Federation chief Mike Fennell to sound the alarm bells.
“(T)he current situation poses a serious risk to the Commonwealth Games in 2010,” he reportedly wrote in a letter to the local organising committee.
READ: Golf: Asian Tour event in India shortened amid severe smog
India went on to host the Games but not without hiccups. Participating nations complained about accommodation as the athletes’ village lacked proper safety and reeked of poor hygiene standards, including exposed electrical wiring, plumbing problems, dirty facilities and flooding outside the accommodation.
Several top athletes pulled out of the Games citing risks to their health and safety.
The 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi were plagued by delays and corruption AFP/William WEST
Embarrassed by the negative publicity generated by the international media, the Indians scurried to fix the problems but they reacted too slowly and to little avail.
The Indian government took a strong stand only after the Games were over. It even ordered a probe on suspected corruption among organising officials.
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