The prime minister’s wife Rosmah Mansor believes that her critics might be “frustrated and jealous” of her achievements which have contributed to her receiving an honorary doctorate from Curtin University in Perth.
She said this when asked to comment on criticism of the award, when met at a Chinese New Year function in Kuala Lumpur today.
Rosmah said the honorary doctorate was awarded for the work that she and her team have put into Permata, a pre-school programme under the Prime Minister’s Department.
She said her critics are being petty and that their criticism has created an unhealthy culture that is not beneficial for Malaysia.
“I don’t want to handle personal petty issues. It is all out of frustration. It is all out of... I don’t know... Maybe jealousy,” she said, looking visibly upset.
Rosmah was also asked about criteria used by Curtin University to decide on the award.
“I don’t know ... the criteria. I don’t know. It came to me as a very pleasant surprise. But I was told by the vice-chancellor that they were looking for a woman who has leadership qualities, (does) charity and social work and also a programme that is beneficial to the country.
“They are looking for a candidate and they said that (my name cropped up). They read (about) all the work things I have done for Malaysia, the speeches I’ve given (in) other countries and they decided that I am the deserving one. I am extremely honoured.”
She said the vice-chancellor had told her that Australia is attempting to review its system to instill emphasis on early childhood education.
She said that a head of department of the university is keen to come to Malaysia to understand the Permata programme better, particularly in the early childhood education among the rural and urban poor.
'Question the university'
Rosmah revealed that she was informed “much earlier” about the award through the Malaysian embassy, but that a suitable time had to be chosen in order for her husband Najib Abdul Razak to tag along to the ceremony .
“They are having graduation now. So we thought it was the best time to go. My husband spent a little bit of time to be with me to share the joy of the occasion,” she said.
As for her critics, Rosmah advised them to question Curtin University if they are unhappy with her award.
“I don’t understand why you are questioning .... Are you questioning Curtin University or are you questioning me? Curtin University decided to give it to me. You question (them), not me.
“Don’t make me the victim of everything that they are unhappy about. You ask them what they are unhappy about me. I don’t disturb them. I do my work. I’m extremely focused.”
She urged her critics to behave more constructively for the betterment of the country and to help the less fortunate.
The event today was organised by Bakti, a charity organisation run by the wives of ministers and deputy ministers, and YTL Corporation Bhd.
