Permata Negara to build centres at Indian communities

The Permata Negara early childhood care and education programme aims to establish more learning centres at locations with a large Indian community especially in the rural areas.

Its patron, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor said that Permata Negara has allocations to build four to five more centres that will give the opportunity for the Indian community to have easier access to quality early education.

“I would like to see Indian children receive the best education possible,” she said during her speech at the Malaysian Associated Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MAICCI) ‘Heart2Heart Deepavali Charity’ celebration at Batu Caves today.

According to Rosmah, she will be leaving it to the non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to recommend the locations to build such centres.

“But I’m telling you don’t put these (centres) in the rich areas where the Indians are very rich,” she said.

Rosmah said it was important that all children, regardless of their race and religion, are not left behind and are given quality education to ensure they would reach to their full capabilities.

She added that the best way to improve the economy is by providing perfect education for the children as their success is an investment to the country.

"The best way to improve a person's livelihood is by providing education to our children," said Rosmah who is also the Prime Minister’s wife.

Rosmah, who will be presenting a paper for the Asian early childhood education programme in Qatar on November 14, expressed her joy that the programme received international recognition.

However, she found it strange that foreigners are more impressed in the Permata programmes instead of the locals.

Earlier, Rosmah handed out contributions to some 250 individuals in conjunction with the upcoming Deepevali celebrations on Nov 13.

The contributions were also given out to 200 orphans of various races from several welfare homes in the Klang Valley.