The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in a last minute decision, has cancelled the award that was supposed to be given to the Permata programme.

According to a New York Times report on Monday, Tudor Parfitt, a scholar of the event has confirmed about the matter but did not mention why the award was withdrawn.

On the other hand, Malaysiakini, in its report, quoted Antiquities Coalition spokesperson Andy Beck as saying that, contrary to erroneous reports, the event is not a UNESCO event and UNESCO is not giving the award.

Earlier, Bernama reported that the Prime Minister's wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor will be receiving the award in conjunction with the 71st United Nations General Assembly.

The secretary-general for the Education Ministry, Datuk Seri Alias Ahmad, who is also Malaysian National Commission for UNESCO vice-president, said the award is to recognise Malaysia for providing quality education for the holistic development of children.

The award presentation ceremony was scheduled be held at the 'A Tribute to Heroes in the Global Campaign Against Violent Extremism' event on Sept 22 at the Metropolitan Museum of Arts, New York.

The 71st UN General Assembly opened on September 13 and scheduled to end on September 26, 2016.