To say that US$275 million, or slightly over RM1 billion, is a windfall would be a gross understatement.

"It's too good to be true," said National Cancer Council (Makna) president Mohd Farid Ariffin at a hastily-called press conference in Ampang, Kuala Lumpur today.

"We were in the midst of planning for 2006 and were discussing about a centre that offers cancer treatment from both the East and the West.

"Yesterday while I was out jogging at 11am, I received a call about an interested donor. I immediately visited him and was shocked when told of the sum pledged to Makna," added the former deputy finance minister.

Farid said Makna had raised RM90 million and was going to launch another round of fund-raising as their post-tax balance was only about 30 percent.

"The transfer is being processed now but it may take a day or two before it is completed."

The billion-ringgit donation is what a Lebanese business tycoon currently undergoing treatment for brain tumour in Malaysia is giving Makna to build a children's cancer research and treatment facility.

Largest-ever donation

Dr Elie Youssef Najm's ( left ) contribution is probably the largest ever donation for any cause the country has ever seen.

He said the money, profits from his diverse business interests, will be transferred from his personal account in the Chase Manhattan Bank in New York.

"I know there will be a lot of questions about the source of the money. Let me tell you that it is not illegal money. Not from drugs, arms, gambling, alcohol or tobacco. I'm a very religious person," he told reporters.

"I've already spent hundreds of thousands of dollars seeking a cure but have not found one. I even tried Mexico in 2002 but after six months someone mentioned Malaysia.

"This is clean money, the profits from my businesses," he said, conceding that the transfer of a huge sum would be queried by US authorities.

"Post-911, no money transfer is allowed by the US government and they have been cleaning money. My personal account has been in existence for 15 years and is an open book for public investigation," he added.

The tycoon also revealed that he was not keen on cutting his hair after suffering from severe hair loss due to years of chemotherapy.

Also present at the press conference were Makna managing director Farahida Mohd Farid and the organisation's staff.

Elie, 45, who claimed to be a medical professional from a wealthy, high-profile family of doctors in Lebanon, said in 1991 he discovered that he had inherited muscular dystrophy.

"I'm suffering from spinal cord cavity and have been getting treatment for brain cancer privately in Kuala Lumpur where doctors have said that I don't have much time," he said, without revealing details of his treatment or doctors.

"Cancer runs in my family. My grandmother died of it, two uncles and a brother are suffering from it."

Worth US$46 billion

Elie, who married Malaysian Farinnie Mohd Farid last October, claims to be worth US$46 billion with controlling interests in banking, construction, telecommunications, software, and oil and gas industries in Sweden, New Zealand, Canada, Dubai, Qatar and Malaysia.

"I own 200 numbered companies in Canada alone. I'm not into drugs, alcohol or gambling. I'm into my wife who is now two months pregnant and palm oil and palm shortening industry here. It is a gold mine," he said, with his camera-shy wife seated next to him.

But the exact size or structure of his business empire remained sketchy.

He also asked Makna to name the facility Farinnie Elie and Makna Children's Cancer Treatment and Research Centre and Hospital.

His in-laws Mohd Farid Abdullah and Sofiah Shauket Md Hashim were also present.

Painful loss

The decision to set up a facility for children with cancer, said Elie, came after experiencing the pain of losing his daughter Elisa to throat cancer. But he did not elaborate further on his ordeal.

"I also plan to introduce a 'Last Wish Programme' where a child is selected every month by a committee I will set up later to see what his or her last wish is and how it can be fulfilled.

"I'll proceed to open a small office within 30 days and have a (child) psychologist as part of the programme because it is a very traumatic experience for a child suffering from cancer."

Giving a breakdown, Elie said, US$200 million will be spent to build the centre, which will 365 beds for children and 100 for adults, and on research equipment.

He said US$25 million will be used to buy a piece of land he has identified near Kuala Lumpur City Centre with another US$50 million kept for the facility's operational cost.

"This is a centre for poor people's children because I know how costly such treatment is and a modern facility with the latest medical equipment is crucial.

"Recently I went for radiology treatment at a hospital where paint was peeling of its walls."

He said the government's promptness in processing paperwork will determine how fast work can start as "the money is already there".

Asked why he chose Malaysia, Elie said Malaysia needed it more than Lebanon which had modern facilities.

More generous contributions

He also said that three of his business partners are planning to visit Malaysia within a fortnight to announce their respective contributions to Makna.

"They are coming but I need to confirm the dates first. I'm confident they will be very generous with their contributions.

"I'm also donating one ambulance helicopter to Makna," he said and turned to Farid saying that he had forgotten to mention this to him this earlier.

Asked on his citizenship, Elie replied by saying that he had three passports and had travelled around the world.

"I have a green passport for international travel and a Lebanese passport. The third I prefer to keep a secret."

Elie, his wife and in-laws were accompanied by two local bodyguards.