Permata programme to continue with proper audit: Wan Azizah

PUTRAJAYA: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail said the Permata programme would be continued but it must first be reviewed and audited.
She said it was a good programme for children's development and welfare.
"The Permata programme was brought to the attention of Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad. We will review the programme which deals with the development and welfare of children.
Other than that, the programme also improves the skills of children. It is a good programme.
"We, the Pakatan Harapan government and the prime minister have said what is good will continue. But how? We will have to audit and review it, including the allocation, its cost-effectiveness and results of the programme," she said in a press conference here today.
Earlier, Dr Wan Azizah who assumed duty as Deputy Prime Minister clocked in at her office in Bangunan Perdana Putra here.
She said there was no time-frame to review and audit the Permata programme.
Dr Wan Azizah who is also Women and Family Development Minister said she and Dr Mahathir had agreed that the Permata programme was more relevant under her ministry rather than the Prime Minister's Department.
The programme which was first implemented in 2007, was the brainchild of the wife of the former Prime Minister, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor and it comprises Permata Negara, Permata Pintar, Permata Seni, Permata Insan, Perkasa Remaja and Permata Kurnia.
It focuses on efforts to educate children from a young age to develop their intellectual, spiritual, emotional, physical, social and communicative skills. — Bernama