Khairuddin removed as J-Kom chief for wasting funds, source claims

(FMT) – Khairuddin Othman was apparently dropped as director-general of the community communications department (J-Kom) a mere six months after taking office due to a series of alleged infractions, including the wastage of funds.

A source close to the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity told FMT that under Khairuddin’s watch, J-Kom had carried out programmes and procurements via an NGO.

“Khairuddin also sacked officers hired on a contract basis without referring to the communications ministry,” the source said.

“He is also alleged to have implemented various programmes for the department, including trips overseas, which were not of high impact,” the source said.

“This led to funds being wasted,” the source added.

Khairuddin yesterday confirmed his departure but declined to elaborate on the matter. Instead, he urged the media to direct their enquiries to communications minister Fahmi Fadzil.

Fahmi, who is also the government spokesman, said at a press conference today that the hiring and termination of people was normal.

However, he refused to comment on why Khairuddin’s contract was terminated.

Rumours circulating yesterday suggested that Khairuddin’s sacking was linked to internal politics within PKR, with some members claiming that the Selangor PKR secretary’s removal was linked to feuds among factions within the party’s state chapter.

The faction opposed to Khairuddin claimed that he had failed to deliver, The Star reported.

PKR secretary-general Fuziah Salleh, however, shot down such talk, saying the party does not interfere in government appointments.

Khairuddin, a former two-term Paya Jaras assemblyman, was appointed to the position on March 1, succeeding Agus Yusoff who resigned in November amid controversy surrounding an alleged lewd conversation between him and another man.

Source : Free Malaysia Today