KUALA LUMPUR – It is time for the government to appoint somebody qualified and credible to lead the Community Communications Department (J-Kom), said Ahmad Fadhli Shaari (Pasir Mas-PN).
This follows the recent video call scandal involving former J-Kom director-general Datuk Mohammad Agus Yusoff and J-Kom’s assistant officer Abdul Wahab Abdul Kadir Jilani, which the PAS lawmaker brought up in the Dewan Rakyat today.
Fadhli said regardless of police findings from their investigation, it is also worth considering immediately abolishing the agency.
“What is the significance of having such an agency directly under the Prime Minister’s Department? I would like to suggest that J-Kom be abolished, as it is the right time to do so.
“However, if the government cannot afford to abolish it, then make sure the next director-general is truly qualified and capable.
“We do not want the same issue, which is the embarrassing video that was circulated, to happen again. Even as the issue is now under police investigation, it should serve as a lesson to all.
“It is truly humiliating if the video is found to be true, as opposed to it being edited (as claimed). In fact, it was also claimed that the video is a product of a conspiracy within the agency, which is even worse as the government’s departments are being used to bring each other down.”
Earlier , Bersatu MP Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan (Tasek Gelugor-PN) suggested that J-Kom be placed under the purview of the Communications and Digital Ministry since the department has failed to carry out its function.
Wan Saiful, who asserted that such a move would ensure that the department is able to more efficiently and effectively perform its duties, also referenced the alleged scandal between Agus and Wahab, dubbed “A&W”.
Both Agus and Wahab appeared in a press conference on November 17 to clear the air about the recent video of their supposed conversation.
Wahab, at the press conference, claimed that he had been directed by an individual named “Mr H” to record a video of his conversation with Agus.
Agus, meanwhile, denied the supposed intimate conversation had happened and insisted it had been edited, adding that it was a “normal” chit-chat. – November 22, 2023