Govt reviewing J-Kom’s functions, says Fahmi

 

Communications minister Fahmi Fadzil said the department’s office will be relocated to his ministry’s building in Putrajaya. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: 

The functions of the community communications department (J-Kom) is currently under review, says communications minister Fahmi Fadzil.

Fahmi said the review of the department will include its organisational structure and staffing, Harian Metro reported.

At the same time, we intend to physically relocate the department’s office back to the ministry (in Putrajaya),

 he was quoted as saying after officiating a programme in Perlis today.

Yesterday, Fahmi said that his ministry had yet to decide on the appointment of the new J-Kom director-general but clarified that it was an ongoing process.

On Sept 24, Khairuddin Othman confirmed his departure as J-Kom DG, just six months after he was appointed to the post.

He had urged the media to direct their enquiries regarding the termination of his service to Fahmi.

However, the minister downplayed the decision to drop Khairuddin, saying that such 

hiring and firing is normal

.

Meanwhile, a source close to the matter told FMT that under Khairuddin’s watch, J-Kom had carried out programmes and procurements via an NGO.

He is also alleged to have implemented various programmes for the department, including overseas trips, which led to accusations of funds being wasted.

In response, Khairuddin denied such claims and said that a malicious campaign was under way to tarnish his reputation as he had adhered to all protocols, including strict spending guidelines for the department’s operations.

He added that all J-Kom expenditure required approval from the secretary-general of the communications ministry. - FMT