KUALA LUMPUR – The controversial Community Communications Department (JKOM) became a heated subject in the Dewan Rakyat today when Fahmi Fadzil (Lembah Pantai-PH) questioned its absence under Budget 2022.
The lawmaker said it had come to Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s (Port Dickson-PH) attention on November 17 that JKOM was not listed in Budget 2022’s estimated expenditure.
Fahmi noted the department is instead listed under Putrajaya’s Senarai Perjawatan 2022 (appointments list for 2022).
“It was stated that JKOM was not listed under Budget 2022’s estimated expenditure. Alternatively, JKOM is listed under the appointments list for 2022, with 155 appointments.
“I tried finding further details on the matter, so I hope the minister will explain,” he added.
The PKR communications chief also questioned the attorney-general’s (AG) decision to withdraw the appeal against Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor (Putrajaya-BN) over his corruption case, in which the Court of Appeal had overturned the high court’s conviction.
He said Putrajaya needs to answer on whether the decision was made at the AG’s discretion, or if there was interference from the cabinet.
“There was already an appeal, and the prosecution decided to withdraw the application.
“Was it the AG’s decision or an executive one?
“The people deserve to know why we are not continuing the prosecution,” Fahmi said.
Tengku Adnan was not the only Barisan Nasional MP targeted by Fahmi, who questioned matters concerning Datuk Seri Tajuddin Abdul Rahman (Pasir Salak-BN) as well.
He pointed out that Tajuddin was arrested by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission in May, but there have been no updates on the progress of the investigation.
“The arrest was made in May, but the case did not reach the courts.
“So, what happened to this case involving the honourable Pasir Salak, who may see himself becoming an ambassador overseas?” Fahmi said, referring to reports that Tajuddin is said to be Malaysia’s ambassador-designate to Indonesia. – The Vibes, November 22, 2021
