Nine years after its inception, the National Children's Permata Centre (Permata) continues to shine and has achieved global recognition despite the controversies and negative perception.

In line with its name, Permata, which is under the patronage of Rosmah Mansor, the wife of Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak, was set-up to 'polish' the talents of children from various age groups.

With an allocation of RM42 million in 2014 and RM30 million in 2015, the programme's role was seen to be overlapping with existing functions of certain ministries.

Tuition teacher Afifa Daud AO, 38, however, does not share this view.

She compared one of Permata's programme to the "Community-Based Rehabilitation" (CBR), pioneered by the World Health Organisation and implemented by the Welfare Department.

She said Permata Kurnia, which commenced last year, addressed the needs of children with autism and prepared them for a formal education.

"It is different from CBR that is more to childcare. CBR has no syllabus for children like this.

"So where is the overlapping programme? I don't see it like that because the concept was adapted from overseas. 

“It would be better if there is a Permata Kurnia in every state because every school would have a child with autism," said Aufa, whose child is also autistic.

'Permata for VIPs only a perception'

For Universiti Sains Malaysia lecturer Dr Sivamurugan Pandian, the screening of children and participants by Permata is done to maintain quality.

"The chosen ones are unique and have special talents. After a period of time, it is hoped they would become valuable human capital who directly contribute to the country's development.

"There are many factors for the screening. It is not right to perceive that only children of the rich or VVIPs are chosen," he said.

Sivamurugan pointed out that Permata has achieved a lot since its inception and the negative perception may be from people who do not bother about finding the real facts.

"Sometimes there are people with political motives who want to create a negative perception. If the programme is beneficial, the opposition and others should welcome it," he said. 

Permata is a platform for children from all levels. Academicians and professionals are directly involved in guiding the seven programmes under Permata.

Apart from this, research on early childhood education has been conducted based on similar programmes in developed countries such as the United States, Australia and New Zealand.

Most recently, Permata achieved international recognition for its initiative on children's welfare.

The award for Good Global Governance (3G Awards) 2016 was presented to Rosmah in Istanbul.