Rosmah Mansor has advised women to refrain from the "cah keting" (backstabbing) culture, especially in the current demanding political scenario.

The prime minister's wife, who is also Association of Wives of Ministers and Deputy Ministers (Bakti) president, noted that backstabbing and inciting one another would only lead to one's downfall.

"In the current situation when we will be facing a general election soon, such attitudes should have no place among women.

"In such an environment, my hope is to strengthen goodwill among all women. The main role of women is to accept one another and be willing to support and encourage each other for mutual success," she said.

Rosmah was speaking at an event, 'Afternoon Tea Gathering with Kelantan State Women Organisations' in Kota Bharu today.

The event was attended by more than 17 non-governmental organisations involved in social and welfare work.

Later, 105 orphans comprising students from the Puteri Islamic Organisation and Sekolah Yayasan Islam Kelantan received cash contributions.   

No political agenda behind Permata

Earlier today, Rosmah denied there was a political agenda behind the Permata Negara programme.

The prime minister's wife and National Permata Policy executive committee chairperson said the programme was created by the government for the future of the country's children.

She said the programme provided an opportunity to all quarters, regardless of political beliefs, to work towards educating and developing children into wholesome individuals.

"The Permata (Negara) programme focuses on children and does not take the ruling government into account," she told reporters after launching the Apa Khabar Anak Permata programme at the Permata Negara Centre (PAPN) in Bachok, Kelantan.

Rosmah is here accompanying her husband, Najib Razak, on a day-long working visit to Kelantan.

She said the government was definitely thinking of setting up more Permata centres in Kelantan which already has six centres.

"We face some difficulty in obtaining appropriate sites in states not governed by Barisan Nasional (BN). However, we overcome this problem in Kelantan with help and support from the education ministry," she added.

Kindergartens in rural areas

Like in other states, Rosmah said the Permata Negara programme in Kelantan was extended to four kindergartens under the Unity Department, 15 Kemas kindergartens and seven community kindergartens.

"Most of these kindergartens are located in rural areas to enable the rural children to take part in the Permata programme," she said.

Rosmah also urged parents to visit the centres to observe how their children were taught and instil values at home.

"Parents can help teachers make this programme a success to produce quality individuals who will inherit the country," she added.

During the event, Rosmah also spent time to meet up with students and parents, as well as conduct a dialogue session.

- Bernama