By Adrian Lim
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 25: The federal government has agreed to rebrand and restructure the Department of Special Affairs (Jasa) as the Department of Community Communications (J-Kom) with different roles and functions.
Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah outlined that J-Kom’s objective was to disseminate accurate and authentic information from the government to the people.
“The method used is by developing the community in particular at the grassroots level, who practice a culture of knowledge, are digitally skilled and appreciate the focus of patriotism through community empowerment.
“The main task of J-Kom is to implement strategic communication to promote the culture of new normal following Covid-19 pandemic.
“J-Kom is different from Japan (Information Department) as Japan is tasked to provide an understanding of the government’s policies, programmes and initiatives to the public through awareness.
“J-Kom’s roles concentrate towards community empowerment which includes amongst others knowledgeable community, digital community and patriotic community,” he said when winding up the debate of the Budget 2021 at Parliament today.
He added the Communications and Multimedia Ministry will work closely with other government agencies such as the National Unity Department and the Community Development Department (Kemas) at national and state levels.
Saifuddin disclosed that J-Kom will also turn more than 1,000 Internet centres throughout the country into new concept digital centres.
On another note, he assured that the revived Jasa will not be used as a political propaganda machine for the Perikatan Nasional (PN) government.
Earlier, politicians from the opposition parties questioned the RM85.5 million which was allocated to Jasa in Budget 2021.
They believed the huge allocation provided to Jasa, which function as a department to channel information to the government under the previous Barisan Nasional (BN) government was unnecessary. —DayakDaily
