What is the Special Affairs Department (Jasa) and why was it revived?

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The Special Affairs Department (Jasa) Was a Propaganda Unit Revived to Counter Misinformation

The Special Affairs Department, commonly known as Jasa, was a propaganda unit established during the Barisan Nasional era. It was dissolved under the Pakatan Harapan administration as part of an austerity measure but was revived by the Perikatan Nasional government in Budget 2021 with an allocation of RM85.5 million. The Ministry of Communications and Multimedia defended its reinstatement, asserting its necessity in combating misinformation and fake news, particularly concerning Covid-19.
Jasa's Role as a Propaganda Unit

Jasa functioned as a propaganda machinery for the Barisan Nasional government. Its establishment was aimed at disseminating government messages and narratives. In Budget 2018, prior to its dissolution, Jasa received an allocation of RM30 million, underscoring its operational scale during that period.
Arguments for Jasa's Revival

The Perikatan Nasional government proposed the revival of Jasa in Budget 2021, earmarking RM85.5 million for its operations. The Ministry of Communications and Multimedia presented this allocation as a measure to counter the spread of misinformation and fake news. This rationale specifically highlighted the need to address false information circulating in relation to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Opposition to Jasa's Revival

The revival of Jasa faced significant criticism, notably from Parti Pejuang Tanah Air (Pejuang). Pejuang accused the Perikatan Nasional government of prioritising political interests over public welfare, citing the substantial RM85.5 million allocation to Jasa as evidence. The party argued that such funding for a propaganda agency was inconsistent with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's decree to place the people's interests above political considerations in Budget 2021.

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What is the Special Affairs Department (Jasa) and why was it revived?

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