Permata (precious stones) nurseries must be for all races

DAP National Deputy Chairman and MP for Kepong Dr Tan Seng Giaw calls on the Federal Government to ensure that the Permata (Precious Stones) programmes of nurseries and kindergartens are for all races. They must be value for money.

It is a good thing to provide nurseries and kindergartens for the children of poor people, whether rural or urban, so that they can be exposed to education and other activities before going to school.

Dr Tan follows the progress of various Permata programmes such as Permata Seni, Permata Pintar, Permata Insan and Perkasa Remaja (for youths at risk, 15 to 25 years old). The wife of the Prime Minister has been seen with these programmes.

In 2007, under the 9th Malaysia Plan RM 20 million were allocated for 14 Permata child centres. From the Economic Stimulation Package I, Permata got RMRM130 million, then RM100 million from the 2010 budget. Hitherto, the total sum is RM270 million.

The operational cost per child is RM 270 per month. How is it compared with the cost per child at private nurseries?

The Promata prgrammes are under Women, Family and Societal Development Ministry and Education Ministry. Apparently, it is agreed that these are put under the Education Ministry.

The nursery programme is based on Pen Green Centre, Corby, United Kingdom. It's curriculum stresses learning through play. This is to develop a child's mind through exploration, experimentation and experience.

Wishing these programmes every success, we stress on the need to ensure that they are open to children of all races and that they are value for money. There are many private nurseries and kindergartens. Ho do they campare with Permata?

Dr Tan Seng Giaw