I received another job offer, says outgoing J-Kom chief

 

Agus Yusoff, director-general of the community communications department (J-Kom) said there was no pressure on him to leave.

PETALING JAYA: Agus Yusoff has confirmed reports that he has resigned as the director-general of the community communications department (J-Kom), saying he recently received a new job offer.

Agus denied speculation that he was forced out of his post as the head of the government’s communications arm, which he has held since Feb 2.

He also said he would vacate his post immediately if his resignation is accepted by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

“I (received) an offer (employment), there was no pressure on me,” he said, according to Bernama. “So when everything has been settled, whether I want to retire or take on a new post which is even more challenging, just wait for the news.”

The department, originally known as the special affairs department or Jasa, was rebranded as the community communications department in 2020.

A unit under the prime minister’s department, J-Kom has the task of conveying Putrajaya’s messages to the people.

However, the unit has been mired in controversy since 2021 when Pakatan Harapan threatened to vote against the budget in which it was first proposed.

Perikatan Nasional’s gains at the six state elections earlier this year led to calls for Agus to step down, with opposition MPs urging that the department be abolished following its failure to explain several issues such as the rising cost of goods. - FMT