J-Kom told to be more professional after minister’s reprimand

PETALING JAYA: The top management of the community communications department (J-Kom) has been advised to adopt a more professional and diplomatic approach when dealing with criticism, particularly on social media.

Communications expert Zaharom Nain said the government’s information agencies should focus on explaining Putrajaya’s policies prudently and constructively, instead of making statements that could spark controversy.

He added that J-Kom, in particular, should act maturely and rationally when faced with public criticism or provocation.

“The role of those heading J-Kom is to strengthen and promote the government’s good policies, not to make remarks that could undermine social harmony.

“If criticism is necessary, it should be based on facts. There is no need to bring someone’s family background into it,” Zaharom told FMT.

Zaharom, who heads the Allianz Centre for Governance, also urged the department not to imitate overly aggressive communication styles from abroad, particularly in managing publicity and responding to criticism.

Yesterday, communications minister Fahmi Fadzil told J-Kom director-general Hisyamuddin Ghazali to be more careful with his words so that certain parties would not be able to manipulate his statements.

Hisyamuddin, who was appointed J-Kom head last week, came under fire after allegedly using a racial slur against two government critics – businessman Albert Tei and social media influencer Eric See-To – in a social media post.

Former Klang MP Charles Santiago also rebuked the J-Kom director-general following his call for Malaysians to “keep an eye on the Rohingya”.

Political analyst Syahruddin Awang Ahmad of Universiti Malaysia Sabah said J-Kom’s role should be building a harmonious national narrative.

“When public attention shifts from policy content to personality-driven controversies, the government’s communications machinery ultimately has to use its resources to manage a reputational crisis that should never have occurred.

“Criticism from the opposition or the public should be viewed as feedback that can help improve the delivery and communication of government policies,” Syahruddin added.