Next question: Fahmi addressing the media during the briefing at the Communications Ministry building in Putrajaya. — Bernama
No reasons given for J-Kom head’s dismissal by govt spokesman
PUTRAJAYA: The government has offered no official explanation for the dismissal of Mohd Khairuddin Othman as director-general of the Community Communication Department (J-Kom) after just six months on the job.
Instead, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said Khairuddin’s removal had been executed in accordance with established procedures.
“I can confirm that his tenure has been terminated. With regards to contract positions, all appointments and dismissals adhere to specific processes, and this is a standard process.
“It was carried out in due course,” he told a media briefing at the Communications Ministry building here.
Pressed on whether he could disclose the reason for the termination, Fahmi simply responded: “No.”
He further revealed that an interim appointee was currently serving as J-Kom director-general, but would not name the person.
Khairuddin had previously taken over the role on March 1, succeeding Datuk Mohammad Agus Yusoff, who resigned in November last year.
On another matter, Fahmi said no formal report has been lodged with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) over recent viral parody videos linked to GISB Holdings Sdn Bhd (GISBH).
Nevertheless, he said the MCMC would take action upon instructions from the police.
“I believe there are at least seven or eight versions of the original video circulating.
“There are choir versions, rock versions and many others – which demonstrates how creative Malaysians can be.”
Recently, videos featuring individuals performing songs associated with the banned religious sect Al-Arqam and its leader, Ashaari Mohammad, also known as Abuya, have gone viral on social media.
Al-Arqam, established by Ashaari in 1968, was banned in 1994 but was said to have rebranded itself, first as Rufaqa Corporation and later as GISB Holdings (GISB).
Police have rescued more than 500 children and teenagers from charitable homes, allegedly tied to GISB, in several states.
Fahmi said yesterday’s Cabinet meeting had also touched on the issue, with Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri providing an update on the condition of the rescued children.
In another development, he said the MCMC had lodged a police report regarding the suspected sale of drugs on TikTok.
“The MCMC lodged the police report today, and we will now allow the police to proceed with their investigation.”
The minister said he was alerted to the matter by a post on X, which said a TikTok account had been involved in drug sales.
Fahmi had also acknowledged the public’s grievances on social media platforms over hotel check-ins that are delayed until as late as 4pm.
“I am aware of the complaints,” said the government spokesman.
“This falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture. I will relay these complaints to the ministry,” he added.
