Monday, January 09, 2006

Is the RM1bil man for real?

NST: Within 24 hours of announcing the largest donation in Malaysian history — RM1.07 billion for the National Cancer Council (Makna) — a different side of Lebanese businessman Dr Elie Youseef Najm was emerging.
Over the past few months, at least five police reports had been lodged against him for offences such as cheating and criminal breach of trust.
In one investigation, charges have been preferred and the case has been scheduled for hearing in May this year.
The Lebanese was released on a RM20,000 court bail and his passport was deposited with the court.
Several businessmen and lawyers have also initiated legal suits to claim money they said he owes them.
"I find it hard for it to be true because it’s a huge amount," Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek told the New Straits Times. "I do not understand how such a huge amount for cancer could just be given to an NGO when the ministry is the main health provider in the country."
The minister added that if Najm had wanted to contribute, he should have approached the ministry.
After Najm’s donation pledge made headlines, telephones at newspaper offices began ringing with callers providing information on those claiming to have fallen victim to the Lebanese businessman, and the losses they have incurred.
Following the news reports today, police said they would meet Makna council president Datuk Mohd Farid Ariffin to establish Najm’s claims.
"We know who this individual is and he has been investigated previously for cheating and alleged criminal breach of trust," said city commercial crimes chief Assistant Commissioner Aris Ramli.
"What we’d like to know is what his offer to Makna was all about."

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