Makna President Declines Comment On RM1bln Pledged Donation

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 22 (Bernama) -- Whether the National Cancer Council (Makna) has received the pledged donation of RM1 billion, or even a part of the sum, from self-proclaimed billionaire, Lebanese Elie Yousef Najim, has yet to be ascertained.
Makna President Datuk Mohd Farid Ariffin, when met by reporters, here Wednesday, declined to say whether the payment had been made.
"Deep in my heart, I always hope for people's help. I don't question their intention as long as it's halal," he said.
Despite repeated prompting by reporters, Mohd Farid declined comment when met after a Makna Cancer Research Award presentation ceremony at the National Science Academy here: "Mulut saya tutup (my lips are sealed), no comment".
"Sorry, I can't say anything. Let Makna go," he said when asked whether the money pledged by Elie had been deposited into the council's account.
Mohd Farid did say, however, that he had spoken to Elie after Elie had told the press that he would credit part of the pledged amount into Makna's account.
"We did talk to each other" is all that Mohd Farid said when asked what had transpired during their conversation.
Elie, 45, who claimed to be a billionaire and a doctor, captured newspaper headlines last month after announcing a donation of US$275 million (RM1.03 billion) to Makna to build a cancer treatment and research hospital.
The news attracted much reaction from the public, and some people came forward to complain that they had been cheated by the Lebanese.
Elie has been investigated by the police in connection with the numerous alleged cheating cases.