The SEA Games Secretariat Committee made it clear last week that contributing to fundraising efforts for the games should be personal choice and to display pride in the country, but should certainly not be forced.
The buying of artificial frangipani flowers must be a matter of choice, not force.
The committee reported to the press yesterday that recently the SEA Games Organising Committee allowed its Marketing and Benefit Committee to contract with government offices and various companies, both domestic and international, to raise funds for the SEA Games.
While the fundraising was making good progress, there had been complaints that needed to be addressed.
One method employed by the Marketing and Benefit Committee to raise funds is through a contract with the Lao Handicraft Group, which makes frangipani replicas for sale to the public.
Though the purchase of such memorabilia is meant to be completely voluntary, many people say they feel obliged or forced by the seller to buy these items.
The committee gave another example, citing the SEA Games lottery, which has encountered a similar problem. The Ministry of Finance authorised a special lottery for the games fund, but people have said they feel coerced into buying tickets, including some government officials. A system was even set up to deduct money for lottery tickets directly from salaries.
After hearing these complaints, the Secretariat Committee made a public announcement that SEA Games fundraising contributions should be a matter of choice and the result of a desire to be involved in the games.
Any organisation or individual given the right to raise funds for the games, instead using the opportunity for personal gain, must be stopped. If they continue to force their products on customers, their contract will be terminated immediately.
The committee asked organisations and individuals who encounter this or similar problems to contact the SEA Games Secretariat Committee on mobile phone numbers 020 9805545 or 020 9801190 for immediate attention.
