KUALA LUMPUR: The Community Communications (J-KOM) Department director-general, Datuk Dr Mohammad Agus Yusoff, has confirmed that he has submitted his resignation letter.
When contacted by the New Straits Times today, Agus denied that it was due to pressure over his alleged poor performance.
"Nothing to do with pressure from the detractors," he briefly said.
Agus justified his resignation by claiming he had received offers from local and international organisations needing his services.
He was appointed the head of J-KOM in February this year, pledging to serve as the purveyor of the government's narrative under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's administration.
Since his appointment, the department has been plagued with criticisms from both sides of the Parliamentary aisle for various reasons.
Previously, it was reported that Skudai assemblyman Marina Ibrahim called for Agus to resign following the unity government's performance in six state elections earlier this year.
Kuala Krai MP Abdul Latiff Abdul Rahman has also called for the abolition of J-KOM, citing its failure to address various issues, including the escalating cost of goods.
Formerly known as the Special Affairs Department or Jasa, J-KOM underwent a rebranding in 2020, transforming into the Department for Community Communications.
Positioned within the prime minister's department, J-KOM's primary role is to serve as the government's communication conduit, delivering Putrajaya's messages to the public.
However, controversies have surrounded the unit since 2021, prompting Pakatan Harapan (PH) to threaten to vote against the budget initially proposed.