The Myanmar government must realise that it is losing out in fund-raising stakes as the quake in Sichuan, China, draws world attention.

There are people I know who have relatives in Myanmar. After days of uncertainty about how help could be taken to the Myanmar people and, in particular, the question of where their cash donations would end up, they chose to donate to the Sichuan relief fund instead via established charities.

For the sake of the people of Myanmar, I hope the junta will realise the urgency of the situation and allow aid groups free access to the disaster area.

Transparency, accountability and an accurate assessment of the situation are important factors in determining the amount of funds to be raised.

If the disaster is handled properly, the government stands to gain tremendous goodwill and credibility from its people as well as the international community.

Wong Weng Fai