Absent in Budget 2022, yet 155 JKOM appointments found in separate allocation

[superadmin]

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.

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