Getting up close: Fahmi visiting an exhibit during the Kita Madani programme in Kangar, Perlis. - Bernama.
PETALING JAYA: The continued existence of the Community Communications Department (J-Kom) has once again been thrust into the spotlight – with several MPs calling for a re-evaluation of its role.
This renewed scrutiny follows a series of controversies that have plagued the department in recent years.
While some argue for J-Kom’s absorption into the Information Department (JaPen), others question whether the department should exist at all.
Yesterday, Putrajaya said it is taking a hard look at J-Kom’s operations with Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil confirming that the review will scrutinise its organisational structure and staffing.
“This overhaul will involve positions and the overall organisation. We intend to physically relocate J-Kom’s offices back to the ministry, meaning we will be reassessing its entire function,” Fahmi said when met by reporters after opening the state-level Kita Madani programme in Kangar, Perlis.
He also said the position of director-general, left vacant after the termination of Mohd Khairuddin Othman on Sept 24, remains unfilled – with the deputy director-general temporarily overseeing the role.
The department has long been marred by controversy, with two directors-general removed in just over two years.
Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Abdul Karim delivered a sharp critique of J-Kom, asserting that its functions overlap with those of JaPen, rendering it a redundant entity.
“Frankly, J-Kom has caused more negative controversies for the ruling government.
“It is perceived more as a propaganda department for the ruling party, whereas JaPen is a professional agency that explains government policies to the public,” he said when contacted.
J-Kom’s troubled history traces back to its predecessor, the Special Affairs Department (Jasa), which was marred by accusations of political bias and misuse of funds.
Despite its rebranding in 2021, controversies have persisted and have only deepened public scepticism.
Hassan argued for its dissolution to prevent wasteful expenditure, suggesting that resources be redirected to JaPen.
His sentiment was shared by Julau MP Larry Sng, who backed the merger of the departments to align with the government’s broader cost-cutting agenda.
“As it stands, there are overlapping areas that can likely be better managed under one organisation,” said the MP from Parti Bangsa Malaysia.
Bersatu’s Machang MP Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal also supported the growing calls for reassessment, suggesting J-Kom should only continue if its roles were distinct from JaPen.
“Unless J-Kom’s functions are not redundant, it has no reason to exist,” he said while raising concerns about political appointees.
Jerantut MP Khairil Nizam Khirudin of PAS also highlighted the frequent controversies surrounding J-Kom.
“It depends on how the government wants to optimise it. Based on the current situation where the DG has been dismissed too frequently, my opinion is to dissolve J-Kom,” he said.
Political analyst Prof Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi also weighed in, saying the fate of J-Kom hangs in the balance between “political pragmatism and public perception”.
“Critics argue that J-Kom’s perceived function as a platform for political patronage, rather than as a necessary government agency, and as such, its existence is difficult to justify,” he said.
J-Kom was originally placed under the Communications and Multimedia Ministry but was transferred to the Prime Minister’s Department on May 19, 2021, in a move to centralise government strategic communications.
However, in a Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Dec 13, 2023, it was announced that J-Kom would return to the Communications Ministry.
Financial issues have only compounded J-Kom’s difficulties.
In 2020, the department’s original budget of RM85.5mil was slashed by RM45mil as part of a broader effort to curtail government spending.
Last year, its operational cost had dwindled to RM5.5mil, reflecting its diminishing prominence.
