‘Intervention vital for autistic children’s future’

MELAKA: Intervention programmes, such as Permata Kurnia, have an important role in unleashing the talent of autistic children and shaping them to become active citizens who contribute to the nation’s success, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

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

“Autistic children usually have extraordinary abilities in one area, but may lack in others. My wife has met a 6-year-old (autistic) child who can solve Chemistry and Mathematics questions at the SPM (Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia) level.

“There is a need for an intervention to unleash their talent.

“It is possible for an autistic child, like the one my wife met, to become a scientist one day. This is one of our dreams for the future of autistic children,” he said when officiating the groundbreaking of the Southern Zone Permata Kurnia Centre Project in Bukit Katil here yesterday.

Present were his wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, who is Permata Negara programme patron, Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim and Chief Minister Datuk Seri Idris Haron.

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

Work is expected to begin next month and will be completed by early next year.

The centre, which would be able to cater to 250 autistic children from Melaka, Negri Sembilan and Johor, will also provide preschool, early intervention services and community education programmes.

Najib called on the public, especially parents of autistic children, to discard their belief in spells and black magic to treat autism and 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 (Kuala Lumpur) 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 believe their (autistic) children are victims of black magic.”

On another issue, Najib said the country’s success should not be measured by looking only at per capita income or physical development, but at its ability to develop a caring society.

“This is what I included in the National Transformation 2050 initiative.

“We are not just aiming for Malaysia to be ranked among the top 20 countries, but also for good values to be instilled in our society, so that we shall always 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 used children to nurture hatred for the Federal Government, dancing to the GST (Goods and Services Tax) song.

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

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

He was referring to Kota Melaka member of parliament Sim Tong Him, Duyung assemblyman Goh Leong San, Bachang assemblyman Lim Jack Wong and Kesidang assemblyman Chin Choong Seong.