KL2017 introduces ad-hoc arbitration panel for speedy dispute resolution

KUALA LUMPUR: Disputes at the 2017 Kuala Lumpur SEA Games are expected to be resolved quickly with the introduction of an ad-hoc arbitration panel agreed to in the last Games hosted by Singapore.

SEA Games Federation (SEAGF) Rules and Sports Committee chairman Datuk Low Beng Choo said the panel, formed specifically for the 29th SEA Games here, would make immediate decisions over issues raised after competitions.

“They’re ready and on standby… If people are not happy with decisions made by the referees or judges, they will first appeal to the jury and technical delegates within the sport and if this fails to resolve the issue at hand, then they can appeal to the panel,” she told reporters after chairing the SEAGF Rules and Sports Committee meeting yesterday.

Beng Choo, also the Olympic Council of Malaysia secretarygeneral, said the panel would be chaired by Malaysia with representatives from Singapore, the Philippines and Thailand.

The decision to form the arbitration panel was approved during the SEAGF Executive Committee meeting in Kuala Lumpur in March, after the federation amended its charter for the establishment of the panel at the 2015 edition in Singapore.

SEAGF president Tan Sri Tunku Imran Tuanku Jaafar had previously said that the panel would be administered by the KL Regional Centre for Arbitration (KLRCA) with decisions to be reached within 24 hours, like in the Olympics, Asian Games and Commonwealth Games. – Bernama