In a statement, Rizal Mansor also hit out at PKR Youth chief Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad over his comments on Permata.

Yesterday, Nik Nazmi, who is the Selangor executive councillor in charge of education, criticised Rosmah for requesting for more funds for Permata and said he felt “annoyed” when she said she would raise the issue with her husband, Najib.

Countering Nik Nazmi’s statements, Rizal argued that Permata’s allocations had in fact decreased, and the RM85 million it was allocated this year was for the establishment of the TOP STEM Talent centre at the National Science Academy, as well as renovation works to turn two education centres into Permata Pintar centres.

In fact, he said, Permata’s management budget actually decreased by 10% this year.

“The request for additional funds isn’t a personal request from Rosmah, it comes from the people. There are still many areas without Permata centres, so the people in these areas requested for the centres.

“In areas with Permata centres, they ask for additional centres to be established because there are too many applications for enrolment.”

Rizal said to date, there were some 50,000 Permata students, and more funds would be needed to accommodate additional students.

“So Rosmah was only relaying the wishes of the people. The demand for Permata centres is great because the people value the impact it has had on their children, unlike the opposition who only know how to criticise.”

Rizal said Nik Nazmi shouldn’t try to divert attention from problems in Selangor with his accusations against Permata and Rosmah.