KUALA LUMPURL The Special Affairs Department (Jasa) will formulate an ‘attack’ strategy to counter and correct the people’s negative perceptions of the government through various channels, said its director-general Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi.
Mohd Puad said this was important in ensuring that the department played its role effectively, especially in addressing the abuse of social media to spread negative information.
“The department can no longer be on the defensive. We need to confront issues and clarify matters. We will answer all issues before they go viral and become negative against the government.
“Jasa will come forward to clarify matters arising and address related issues such as the 1MDB issue,” he told reporters at a Public Services Commission (SPA) Outreach: SPA and Public Services Introduction to Jasa seminar here yesterday.
The ceremony was officiated by the Public Services Commission (SPA) chairman, Tan Sri Mahmood Adam.
In this respect, he added, Jasa officials should improve on their skills and capability in dealing with issues arising, including on the so-called IS militant group.
Mohd Puad also slammed the opposition for not using the proper channel such as the Dewan Rakyat in expressing their views on government policies for example, on the issue of Selangor water.
“In the 1MDB issue for example, the Finance Minister (Datuk Seri Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah) gave a good explanation in Parliament but the opposition MPs were not present … they look for our mistakes but they don’t realise theirs,” he said.
In the meantime, he said all government departments and agencies need to set up a ‘cybertrooper’ unit to monitor and reply to questions raised on social media sites.
“All parties should strengthen their effort in handling the social media as we do not want it to be used as an avenue to defame the government,” he said.
The one-day seminar organised in collaboration with SPA Academy and Jasa was attended by 160 officials from Jasa. — Bernama