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The Perikatan Nasional government’s decision to reactivate JASA, the Department of Special Affairs, and allocate RM85.5 million under the 2021 Budget has understandably caused a storm of outrage among the public.
That money, as everyone says, can be better used to fight the Covid-19 pandemic, especially to obtain the necessary equipment for leaders. We have all read reports or heard of hospitals facing a shortage of personal protective equipment and masks, the most recent in Sabah.
The money could also be used to increase the workforce, as we have heard that doctors and medical staff are overworked during this health crisis. Some of the money could also be better used if it were channeled to the police force, as police officers are working hard on the ground to help fight the disease.
As Mustafa K Anuar, one of the best minds in the nation, put it: “At a time when the economy is sluggish, the national coffers are running low and the government has to borrow money to fight the Covid-19 pandemic and make In the face of economic recession problems, it is expected that each path of public funds should be spent wisely and accounted for. “
The money, he argued, could, for example, be better spent providing financial and other assistance to marginalized groups such as the orang Asli and unemployed disabled people, and on improving school facilities.
Mustafa added that if part of JASA’s role was “to publicize government policies and development activities, as well as sing praises to the government,” then the government could simply use the Department of Information and other official means.
“In an environment where a political pact (which quickly morphed into a government) was born out of secret agreements and transparency seems to be lacking, it is difficult to convince oneself with an argument that JASA’s role is anything but propaganda.”
Malaysians, of course, remember how the Barisan Nasional used JASA as a propaganda tool before the Pakatan Harapan government trashed the unit. JASA was accused of making up stories and spreading disinformation and disinformation on behalf of BN and especially Umno.
But the PN has revived it. No one believes that it will be used for purposes other than propaganda.
That includes Umno Supreme Council member Puad Zarkashi, who led JASA between March 2015 and April 2018 when it was closed.
Puad, however, is not against the resurgence of JASA. You think it’s a good idea. He is only against the large allocation of ringgit 85.5 million for the agency at a time when more resources should be used to control the Covid-19 pandemic.
Revealingly, he asked: “Will these funds be used to strengthen the PPBM machinery or to sponsor certain political portals, given that social media is likely to be the main tool for campaigning due to the new SOPs for the elections?”
Puad, of course, knows what JASA was used for and what it can be used for.
While I don’t think this huge allocation is justified, especially not at this point, I would support the existence of JASA if it were used to do the following:
- Tell Malaysians the truth that Malaysia is a democracy, not a feudal country, and educate them about their rights as citizens;
- Tell Malaysians the truth that politicians are your servants and not the other way around;
- Tell Malaysians the truth that they don’t need to be overly grateful to politicians or the government for helping improve their lives through policies and plans like infrastructure development because that’s what they are elected and paid for.
- Tell Malaysians who receive cash aid the truth that the money they receive does not come from the government but from the taxing public, which includes people of all races;
- Tell Malaysians the truth that opposition parties are important in a democracy and that they play a key role in checking and balancing;
- Tell Malaysians the truth that Malaysia is made up of people of various racial and religious backgrounds and that this must be recognized and respected;
- Tell Malaysians the truth that the basis of Malaysia’s survival and growth is the unity of all races, not just the unity of a particular race or a particular religious group;
- Tell the Malays the truth that neither the Malays nor Islam are threatened in the country because the government and all government-related institutions, including the army and the police, are under the control of the Malays;
- Tell Malaysians that everyone should make an honest attempt to understand the customs and practices of their fellow Malaysians, and not just expect others to appreciate theirs;
- Tell Malaysians the importance of working hard for success and not depending on the government for their livelihood or handouts;
- Tell Malaysians to be the eyes and ears of the Auditor General and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission and to inform officials of these institutions if anyone, including JASA officials and politicians, abuses government assignments or facilities;
- Tell Malaysians to check the facts every time they hear that some group or another of another race or religion is acting against their interests and not to take the words or actions of one or two individuals as representative of the entire race;
- Tell all citizens to beware of negative messages and statements they receive through social media and to verify them before sharing them with others;
- Tell Malaysians to carefully weigh the words and promises of politicians, especially those who use race and religion, not plans and policies, to win their support;
- Tell Malaysians to reject anyone, political or not, who is racist or extremist;
- Explain to Malaysians how the government spends public money, giving details; Y
- Tell Malaysians to practice Rukun Negara.
Opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of FMT
