AN autism intervention programme such as Permata Kurnia plays an important role in unleashing the extraordinary talents of children with autism, shaping them to become active citizens who contribute to the nation’s success, Prime Minister Najib Razak said.

He said early intervention could guarantee a better future for children with autism and was important in the government’s efforts to develop a more concerned and caring Malaysian community.

“Autistic children usually have extraordinary ability in one area, and lack in other areas. My wife (Rosmah Mansor) has met a six-year-old (autistic) child who has the ability to do chemical and mathematics calculations at the SPM (Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia) level. So, there is a need for an intervention to unleash their hidden talents.

“It is possible that an autistic child, like the one who my wife had met, will become a scientist one day. This is one of our dreams for the future of children with autism,” he said at the launch of the Southern Zone Permata Kurnia Centre Project in Bukit Katil, Malacca, today.

The RM6.5 million centre will be equipped with learning facilities, consultation rooms, a gymnasium, playground, swimming pool, and jogging track.

Construction work is expected to begin next month and finish by early next year.

The centre, which will be able to cater to up to 250 children with autism from Malacca, Negri Sembilan and Johor, will also provide access to preschools, early intervention services, and community education programmes.

Najib called on the public, especially parents of autistic children, to discard superstitions about spells and black magic in regard to autism and its treatment, and to opt for modern treatment so that the children would be successful in the future.

“I once asked a manager of an autism centre in Sentul whether parents from poor or B40 families were sending their autistic children there.

“Unfortunately, the manager said those who sent their autistic children there were mostly in the M40 group.

“When I asked why, the manager said it was because most of the parents in the B40 group believed in superstitions. They believed that their (autistic) children were victims of black magic spells,” he said.

Najib said the country’s success should not be measured only by per capita income or physical development, but also by its ability to develop a concerned and caring society with good values, or a kinder and softer Malaysia.

“This was what I included in the National Transformation 2050 (TN50) initiative – to not just aim for Malaysia to be ranked among the top 20 countries, but also to instill good values in our society, so that we shall always be able to care and show compassion for the poor and less fortunate.

“This is the government we have today, unlike the opposition leader in a northern state who was using children to nurture hatred of the federal government, dancing to the GST song.

“Let him be with his ugly antics. We are working for the children’s future and will not exploit children,” Najib said.

He said this was what made Barisan Nasional leaders different from the opposition’s, and probably why four DAP leaders quit the party last year.

They were Kota Melaka MP Sim Tong Him, Duyung assemblyman Goh Leong San, Bachang assemblyman Lim Jack Wong and Kesidang assemblyman Chin Choong Seong. – Bernama, March 20, 2018.