translation Lebanese 'Billionaire' Elie Youssef Najem claims he cannot disburse the RM1.03 billion he pledged to National Cancer Council (Makna) until he is allowed to open a bank account in the country.

The controversy-dogged businessman said he is 'no Santa Claus' who can give away money that easily.

If a bank account cannot be opened how can funds from outside enter Malaysia? he asked.

Speaking to reporters at his residence in Kuala Lumpur last night, he said he has no plans to meet Makna officials at present nor have they contacted him regarding his pledge.

"I hope everything goes smoothly. I pray to Allah that the money can be claimed. I hope that those who have promised to make contributions fulfill their pledges," he added.

Also present at the conference was his Malaysian wife, Farinie Mohd Farid.

Write to PM

Elie has previously claimed to be worth US$46 billion, making him among the top five richest people in the world.

He had pledged the huge sum to Makna in order to build a cancer treatment centre in Malaysia and this received prominent media coverage.

However, reports of him being an alleged fraud began to surface and the businessman was subsequently arrested and held for several days.

Meanwhile, Elie told reporters yesterday that he has not yet come into possession of the money because of the failure to open a bank account.

"I have gone around to banks to open an account but have not been able to do so because my passport is held by the police. I have met senior Bank Negara officials but they do not want to help," he said.

Elie said he will write to Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to request his help in solving the problem.

He also said that he had no intentions of leaving the country as regarded Malaysia as his second home.