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BANGI: Facing intense scrutiny, the former director-general of the Community Communications Department (J-KOM) Datuk Dr Mohammad Agus Yusoff has refuted allegations that he is the individual featured in a recent viral video circulating on various social media platforms since last night.
The video in question portrays a man bearing a striking resemblance to Agus engaging in an inappropriate conversation with an individual identified as "Wahab," sparking widespread outrage online.
In a press conference held tonight, Agus has denied any association with the video, asserting that it has been manipulated and doctored to misrepresent him.
The individual identified as "Wahab," who featured in the controversial video alongside Agus was also present, said the video's creation could be attributed to a high-ranking figure within J-KOM known as "Mr H."
Despite the controversy, he hints at the possibility of venturing into politics in the aftermath of these events.
“I may join politics after this,” said.
The conversation was "manipulated", Wahab admit giving video to Mr H
Despite stating that the video was unauthentic, Agus said the actual conversation that he had with Wahab had been manipulated by technology. He said had already lodged a police report on the matter today.
“I have also instructed my lawyers to start legal proceedings, if need be, against the various culprits involved in this fiasco. Justice can be delayed, but it cannot be denied.
“Hopefully, with this press conference, truth will prevail at the end,” he said, stressing that the culprits behind this video must be caught.
Wahab, whose real name is Abdul Wahab Abdul Kadir Jilani is an assistant officer who only began his duties with the department on Nov 1,
Wahab also spoke during the presser, stating that he was duped into passing the recording of the video conversation to “Mr H”.
He stated that he did not know it would be manipulated and released to the public.
Fahmi declares government ties with Agus axed
Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil announced that Agus had tendered his resignation and no longer had anything to do with the government or the agency.
New Straits Times reported Fahmi, who is currently is San Francisco Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit, had thanked Agus for his services but has yet to discuss with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim about the matter. However, he said steps would be taken to replace Agus soonest.
Agus yesterday confirmed that he had submitted his resignation letter, claiming he had received offers from local and international organisations in need of his services. He had also denied that it was due to pressure for his poor performance.
Agus assumed leadership of J-KOM in February this year, yet the department has faced criticism from both sides of the Parliamentary spectrum for various reasons. Skudai assemblyman Marina Ibrahim had previously called for Agus's resignation in response to the unity government's performance in six state elections earlier this year.
Formerly known as the Special Affairs Department or Jasa, J-KOM underwent rebranding in 2020, transitioning into the Department for Community Communications. As part of the prime minister's department, J-KOM is primarily tasked with serving as the government's communication conduit, conveying Putrajaya's messages to the public.
However, controversies surrounding the unit date back to 2021, leading Pakatan Harapan (PH) to threaten voting against the initially proposed budget.
