KUALA LUMPUR – The revived Special Affairs Unit (Jasa) will comprise a team that is not politically motivated, said the Communications and Multimedia Ministry today.
Allaying fears over the re-establishment of the controversial propaganda unit, the ministry, in a statement, said Jasa’s new aim is to strengthen the “character and social development” of the nation’s multiracial community.
“The ministry understands the people’s concern over the functions of the previous Jasa, which was not implemented as intended under previous administrations.
“Jasa will be responsible for conducting engagement sessions with stakeholders, including civil society and local community leaders, to obtain important input for nation-building.”
The proposed RM81 million allocation for the department in Budget 2021 has drawn public criticism.
The sum is significantly higher than the RM17 million Jasa received under the Barisan Nasional administration in 2017.
Earlier today, Bersatu information chief Wan Saiful Wan Jan said Jasa is needed to ensure the government has adequate technology and equipment to address the people’s woes, adding that the technology required for effective communication in the era of social media “does not come cheap”.
He said Jasa’s new function is to tackle fake news that is deliberately spread by certain quarters, and that the additional RM4 million in emoluments it will get is “not even big” in amount.
The ministry said the allocation is aimed at recruiting more staff to be deployed in states and districts nationwide, and to develop modules and staff competency training.
It will also be used to meet digital infrastructure requirements to effectively disseminate information to the people, including the grassroots.
“In addition, it involves operating costs to mobilise staff, especially to remote areas throughout the country, as well as other costs required to establish a new agency.” – The Vibes, November 8, 2020
