PUTRAJAYA has acknowledged that the Permata child education programme envisioned by Rosmah Mansor is a good initiative even though its name has been changed, said Najib Razak.

The former prime minister said the name change from Permata to Genius is not important.

“The name to me is not important. What’s important to me is the programme, the Permata programme is in the clear and it was intentionally made political by them (Pakatan Harapan) before this,” he said.

He said before GE14 there were many criticisms levelled at the programme by PH, which was then in the opposition, but now they have recognised its benefits.

Najib thanked PH for admitting that it will benefit future generations.

Education Minister Maszlee Malik had announced that Permata will be renamed as Genius as a part of its rebranding exercise.

After PH wrest power from Barisan Nasional (BN), assurances were given that the programme would be retained but an audit would be conducted and improvements considered.

Najib’s daughter, however, slammed the government today for renaming her mother’s programme.

According to her, the name Genius does not capture the essence of the programme.

She said Permata, which means “jewel”, was conceived on the belief that every child is precious and should have the opportunity to realise his or her true potential.

Soon after GE14, Rosmah expressed hope that the new PH government would continue with the Permata programme as it was close to her heart.

Deputy Prime Minister Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail later said the government would not pull the plug on the programme.

However, she said it would be audited and reviewed first. – April 16, 2019.