Jasa not a propaganda tool, says GPS MP

KUALA LUMPUR – The Special Affairs Department (Jasa) is not a cybertrooper unit, a lawmaker told the Dewan Rakyat today.

Lukanisman Awang Sauni (GPS-Sibuti), who was a former Jasa officer, said the department was established 40 years ago to channel information to the government.

“I’m hurt by the comments about Jasa as it is not a cybertrooper. I wouldn’t be a member of parliament if I worked as a cybertrooper when I was in Jasa,” he said when debating the Supply Bill 2021 (Budget).

Lukanisman said the previous abolishing of Jasa pushed many of its staff to look for gainful employment elsewhere. 

Sharing his experience, Lukanisman said Jasa had gone all over the country to gather information for the government.

Lukanisman proposed that the new Jasa director-general be appointed among administrative and diplomatic officers and not a member of any political party, adding that he hoped the allocation under Budget 2021 provided for the department would be used to help the people.

Meanwhile, Baru Bian (PSB-Selangau) said the RM85.5 million allocation for Jasa should instead be used to provide better internet connectivity for 830 schools in Sarawak.

“It does not make sense for the government to provide such a large allocation to a government agency that is used as a propaganda tool of the ruling party,” he said when debating the bill. – Bernama, November 18, 2020