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PETALING JAYA: The Ministry of Communications and Multimedia has clarified that the allocation of 85.5 million ringgit for its Department of Special Affairs (Jasa) was to hire more staff and develop its digital infrastructure throughout the country.
In a statement today, the ministry said the funds would be used to recruit and train qualified officers in digital and social media communication to “educate and cultivate new norms in the community.”
He also said that the money will be spent on building digital infrastructure to “disseminate information in various ways,” as well as operating costs to mobilize personnel, especially in rural areas.
The ministry’s statement comes after multiple parties questioned the huge allocation for the department at a time when the country is in the midst of a Covid-19 crisis and economic troubles.
In the past, the department had been criticized for being Umno’s propaganda arm and for being misused to indoctrinate public officials in Ketuanan Melayu (Malay superiority).
Jasa was abolished by the government of Dr. Mahathir Mohamad after Pakatan Harapan (PH) came to power in 2018.
“The ministry assures all parties that the resettlement of Jasa, made up of a team that is not politically motivated, aims to strengthen the multiracial community.
“Jasa will be responsible for holding participation sessions with civil society and local community leaders to obtain constructive contributions for national construction.”
In July, the Vice Minister of Communications and Multimedia, Zahidi Zainul Abidin, had declared that Jasa would be revived to help the personnel fired by the PH administration.
He said Jasa would hire 500 of his 1,000 previous employees.
