Rizal Mansor, aide to the prime minister's wife Rosmah Mansor, said he agrees with DAP Damansara Utama state assemblyperson Yeo Bee Yin for emphasising the importance of early childhood education, which is being advocated by Permata.

Rizal said it did not matter whether Yeo supports Rosmah, who is the patron of Permata, but it is the work of the organisation that mattered.

"Even though YB's support (for early childhood education) does not mean supporting Rosmah; to me, it is not important.

"Rosmah is not a politician who is seeking the support of anyone," he said.

Rizal lauded Yeo for citing Nobel laureate in Economics James J Heckman who stressed the importance of early childhood education.

He also noted that Yeo had lamented the high cost of childcare in Klang Valley, which he said was something Permata had been working to address.

"Permata Negara child centres provide quality early childhood education to rural children and also provides similar services to children in the suburbs.

"I hope YB can visit these centres and decide for herself. Forget Rosmah is the patron of Permata but look at Permata Negara as an organisation that tries to fulfil what is said by James J Heckman," he said.

However, Rizal took issue with Yeo's claim that Permata did not have a clear strategic direction despite its high annual funding, calling it unfounded.

"If YB is sincere in championing early childhood education, then do in-depth research on Permata Negara," he urged.

Permata was allocated RM30.1 million in last year’s Budget.