Was I surprised reading The NST front page headline this morning (8.30am) at CON BF?
THE TRUTH ABOUT THIS 'SAMARITAN':
Is the RM1bil man for real?
No, not one bit, or isist one bite? One byte?
In fact I had supper with one mGf lust night and we laughed at Makna being so gleeful about the RM1billion that fell ionto their laps -- who's being set up?
I remember not so long ago -- the second time -- I posted about an offer to use my highly regarded name and bank account for some similar good Samaritan from Out of Africa -- now even Irag getting into the Act! -- to make Desi an "instant" millionaire. They must have read my desperation to get hol' of some RM20million to buy that pristine I-LAND off Terengganu for our s
spirit
desti
nation
I also onformed that my standard rply to such generous "samariTANS" is: Go fly a layang-layang!
Desiderata congratulates the NST for sending a four-person teAm to uncover a potentially bih set-up for a killing -- in fact, some killings had aleady taken place. What a greAt -- meaningfool -- start for Makna in 2006?
Okay, the story (partially reproduced) filed by:
Tony Emmanuel, Annie Freeda Cruez, Azura Abbas and Dennis Wong
KUALA LUMPUR, Sun
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
DESIDERATA: The report added that 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 "Santa Claus". Go buy a copy for RM1.20 -- I get no commission promoting this daily -- it's good for BF, not CON because it's not Sunday, that was yesterday when there was a real CON in FuRong, but my invite dguests like Imran could not track me! Saved some RM6 for a second CON for MEself.
PS: The picture of a petite young Malaysian named Farinnie by Dr Elie does not depict someone who should be joyful that a nation of Malaysians should be jumping with joy at the RM1billion honey flowing from her significant half's heart.
For her sake, I hope she ain't no set-up2.
9 comments:
Desi,
I feel like a superstar everytime you mention my name!! Regarding the latest issue, here are my opinions:
Firstly, I see the work of spin doctors here. I see an attempt to bring down a good Samaritan here. Aren't we quick to jump to conclusions that this man is all bad? So what if he has reports lodged against him, his case is still pending and the verdict is not out yet. Or is this of 'Guilty until Proven Innocent?'
Ok. He may owe some people some money. In fact all of us do. Housing loans, car loans, credit card etc. So does that mean we are guilty as well? If that's the case, should n't whatever donations we make to the beggars be questioned as well?
I shall reserve my comments until further notice until more is made known. I wouldn't want to jump on the wrong ship at this stage. I need more facts.
Hi bro Imran:
I'm guilty in a sorta of way to thy charges.
Butt this 'smartiTAN' story just beggars too many questions.
Like the regular emails coming ot of Frica -- maing the recipient an instant millionaire jest for the use of a bak AC to transfer funds out of the offere's country now fallen into another reggime...
Bro, Im, this time around we seem to be on oppising sides of a debate ...I'm waiting for the finishing' bell to be rung -- For Whom the Bell Tolls?
Ernest Hwmoingway would have politley asked a payment of RM10million up front to show the good doc's earnesty?
I'd like to be proven wrong -- like many of my fella Malaysians -- on the clues in front on me, playing not even Sherlock Holmes, just based on my many bytes of certain Shylocks down my way.
Gooddie, my ER, Imran,
Just don't get mad,
Get set. Not to be set up!
BTW, just came back from a CON lunch (chicken-ala kennyR, coleslaw, potato chips ...plus), normally set at RM9.90, now goin' for RM7.90 ... at the payment counter we politely asked the Proprietor why the price - down?
"Not really, we took away the co(R)n..." his honest, in lowered tone, reply.
Jeff Ooi's blog is carrying a piece inviting suspicion about the guy, although I'd consider it a bit suspect (since Jeff has a personal vendetta against the NST). I find it hard to believe this guy can have USD46 billion and have remained under the radar of major business magazines for so long, though. I've certainly never heard of him before.
Hi Desi,
It is quite difficult to believe a philanthropist is owing money to some people, just as the case of the wealthy (con)men from Africa or some war-torn region offering a stranger a good percentage of his "assets" in return for some relatively insignificant help.
Though we should not prejudge a peson, like bro Imran said, but nevertheless, it would be prudent to have an inquiring mind than a regretful one. The sum here is by no means small, therefore, adding
doubt to its authencity.
Bernama and Michael Chong have confirmed that he is a scammer. Check out this news:
http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=174640. More details in my blog also :P.
Now Desi, would you want to make Elie a cup of Haridas Teh Tarik and claim a bounced RM 100,000 cheque from him. Don't worry. Tell him Soi Lek said 'teh tarik wouldn't cause stroke'.
john lee:
i envy thee -- going on a holiday for some 2weeks now?
I was about to ask MIA expert bro Imran to go look for thee, then this Comment cut short te need to test his snooping abilities.
Back to this RM1billion donor, as someone who has wroked in PR/jurnalism, therule to apply when organising a PC to announce the "humongous" (this word is a fav with Msian students returning from OZland ...dion't know about HOWSY and Sabrina tho...)donation, the organisers/recipients would have asked for a current downpayment like 10%(RM100million), 1% (RM10million) ... okya, at least RM1million-lah!(0.1%, canORknot?) as a demonstration of "good faith" (earnesty msume?).
And a former deputy minister being set up?
Why does Malaysia tend to get into the Guninea Buku Rekod for all the wrong seasons? OR isit Reasons? My Engrish ahs deteriorated mixing around with lots of CONs, neoCONs and poppping too much popcoRns!before King Kong starts!
JPsc: Yes, good to be prudent , esp when approached to donate.
Even exercise more prudence when Snta Clause flies in thro the roof, esp after Christmas Day AND HE DID COME COME IN A SLEIGH MOUNTED ON RAINDEARS!!!!!!! SE7EN, one each for the zeloes on the check.:)
JP: I'm arsking a personal Q: How much did you donate to your National Kidding Fondation?
howsy:
thanks for advice on updates about this Elie -- can you verify his DR is also a jumper? Just check-ing.
I wanted to approach SamariTAN for an appointment -- butt his coterie of bodygurds were morre fierce-looking than my dogs (mine were se7en HOT ones!)
You have much faith in Harida's tehtarik -- is there a market in London for a franchise with Desi, 50-50? My writing career is headed nowhere, and the time wait on our RM20million I-LAND is running out ...
Mayhaps you want to do a sidethesis and come up with TehTarik being good for those with greying hair? Big market I assure you as most societies have an ageing pop...
Desi:
I know in every man there's a soft spot veiled by a host of other values, both good and bad. And it's through this spot that we respond to appeals of charity and are sometimes manipulated by conmen to part with cash and kinds.
JP has learned over the decades their various moves, subtle or otherwise, and has hopefully graduated to a street-wise level. I have heard so many stories created by these con-scumbags - they all have in common the proficiency in spinning a web of stories so dramatically well; the ability to identify the victims’ weakness; the air of confidence about themselves. Sadly, they would actually make good script writers and actors, but I guess they would want an easier and faster way to build up their bank account.
Talking about our National Kidney Foundation, it was officially inaugurated in 1969 on April 7, World Health Day by late Encik Yusof Bin Ishak, the first President of the Republic of Singapore and patron of the NKF. Most people have donated money over the years, through their annual charity drives, to help support kidney failure sufferers. Some people pledged monthly contributions while other donated one off. It has grown to a sizeable foundation with a built up healthy reserve of S$256m to-date.
Butt, the previous management had gone overboard in some embarrassing ways, causing public outrage; the donation drive has been suspended temporarily, while public auditors are going through the accounts. For any latest news try the following links:
http://www.nkfs.org/
http://www.nkfs.org/news/press_29_12_05.php
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