KUALA LUMPUR: Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi has called for an overhaul of the Community Communications Department (J-Kom).
This is in response to the department's revelation about an ongoing attempt by various parties, both in opposition and government, to topple the current administration led by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Puad emphasised that there was no legitimate reason for J-Kom to be preoccupied on the Dubai Move, which implies a scheme to destabilise the government, and dismissed the analysis as flawed.
"The standing of J-Kom has been on a decline since the 'Agus and Wahab' issue. Ismail Yusop's analysis is shallow and has forced the government into a defensive posture due to the mention of certain names within the administration.
"Therefore, a thorough restructuring of J-Kom, complete rebranding, and leadership by individuals with greater competence are highly justified," he said in a Facebook post today.
Puad, the former director-general of the Special Affairs Department (Jasa), suggested that J-Kom would be better off focussing on a narrative that highlighted the government's resilience in the face of challenges rather than engaging in unfounded allegations.
Earlier, J-Kom deputy director (community communications) Datuk Ismail Yusop confirmed the emergence of a "Dubai Move", allegedly orchestrated by opposition leaders, including certain government representatives, with the aim of toppling the Madani government.
Ismail claimed that the move surfaced during the recent vacation of leaders from Perikatan Nasional (PN), including government officials, in the capital city of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi revealed yesterday that he was informed about the "Dubai Move" as early as their flight to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
"We received intelligence reports, but we must maintain 'husnuzon' (positive assumptions) in situations like this."