We Malaysians are a caring lot. There is no need to deny that fact. Whenever there is a call for financial aid for ailing personski seeng funds for medical treatment, we are all too willing to donate generously. All that is needed is for the message to be put across to the masses and the generosity of Malaysians takes it course.

However, this is not without its problems. Our caring spirit is sometimes taken for granted and just about anybody, who has access to the right avenues, will often get their wishes fulfilled. The questions before us is, have we done the right thing?

By donating generously, have we created a situation whereby people have become all too dependent on public funds and charity? Even if we have, it is quite okay, but could the funds and the solicitors of the same be more thoughtful of the usage of the same.

Malaysia, is not in the jungles of the Amazon or devoid of qualified specialists, facilities and medical professionals. More often than not, these patients seek treatment in foreign countries, and the price tag is often in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. They, the patients, state their claim, and the media publishes their 'plight', and before you know it, the coffers 'runneth over'.

Are we doing justice, to the individual, the donors, the medical ability of our professionals and the nation as a whole? Why are we so gullible? In order to prevent the exploitation of our goodwill, I would like the masses to consider some thoughts on this matter.

The main entity that broadcasts these issues has to take some responsibility. The people trust the media as their educators on day-to-day issues. Could we not explore the possibility of the ailment being addressed locally? The media, before publishing the matter for the purpose of soliciting funds, should consult a panel of specialists and seek their advice for the 'best' option (price included), without a compromise in the quality of care.

In the spirit of generosity, for which we are notorious, could we not set up a panel of medical experts to view each case with a view of finding an equitable solution for one and all, i.e. the ailing individual and the charitable donor. The panel of experts could be under the auspices of responsible entities who are non-partisan, or even the media or the media guild. The contribution of these experts could also be in turn viewed as their "donation".

The media guild could also take on the responsibility of collectively displaying the plight of deserving individuals and not pit one media entity over the other, as to which ailing person they choose to publicise.

If they (the media entities) are concerted in their efforts, they could form an entity that could manage the collection and disbursement of the same. It could be a non-governmental organisation (for e.g. Malaysian Benevolent Fund for the Medically Needy) with a firm and on-going agenda dedicated to serving the needs of the public who genuinely need and deserve such funding. The public can be certain that their donations will be used with the utmost prudence.

Please do not forget, that every sen that flows out of this country, is at a cost to one and all. It affects the micro economics of the country as well as the exchange rate. It is also a subtle declaration that our medical professionals and facilities are incapable of meeting the needs of our people. While I'm ready to admit that we might not have all that the medical world has to offer but we are not totally incompetent. We too have our specialists and they too are capable.

All monies contributed should not be channeled directly to the individual concerned but held in trust for them. A panel, as suggested earlier should be given the responsibility for the disbursement of the funds. The funds could be disbursed based on actual sum spent (based on official receipts or adequately supported claim documents) on treatment and other treatment related expenses, i.e. travel and accommodation, including expenses for immediate care givers. A formal set of rules and guidelines as to what qualifies as a bona fide expense should be drawn up.

The entity could, from time to time, have "sub-agendas", whereby the specific needs of any individual it decides as a worthy cause could be highlighted, to raise public awareness and funds. The need for the same could be collectively advertised by all media entities that are part of the guild. The funds could then be channeled into the main kitty.

The collection and usage of the funds should be governed with utmost diligence and sincerity. There should be a minimum amount of bureaucracy in the administration of the entity and the disbursement of the funds.

Further, there should be no political interference in the operations and decisions of this entity. It should be made up of people who are interested in the "cause" and nothing else. The commitment and contribution of every entity and individual should be considered as donation in its own right.

The funds channelled to this cause shall always be used for the medical needs of Malaysians and Malaysians alone. It shall not, at any time, be used for the purpose of global humanitarian causes. The need for global humanitarian aid or other form of aid can be realised as and when the need arises and as its own cause.

I hope that all Malaysians take pride in their charitable spirit and take responsibility for their hard-earned money to be spent wisely, in the interest of one and all. The media or any other suitable entity could use this platform to further enhance their role and fulfil their responsibility as conscientious corporate citizens of this benevolent nation of ours.