“I guarantee it will be reduced,” he said, following widespread criticism that the sum of RM85 million was unjustified.
In a ministerial reply at the Dewan Rakyat, Saifuddin also said the Cabinet has agreed to restructure JASA, which will now be called the Community Communications Department.
He was replying to Gobind Singh Deo (PH-Puchong), his predecessor, who asked the reason for the revival of JASA, which Gobind described as a “political propaganda department”.
Saifuddin was also asked the reason for the huge allocation when the government has the services of RTM, Bernama and the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia to disseminate information.
Saifuddin said the department is being set up to have “two-way communication between the rakyat and the government”.
“It is for community empowerment,” he said.
He said the department will “not be a propaganda machine, not under my charge”.
There will be no political appointments, he said, and those keen to work in the department will need to apply and undergo an interview process.
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