KUALA LUMPUR – PKR’s former senator Datuk Ismail Yusop has been appointed as the new director-general of the Community Communications Department (JKOM).
The announcement was shared on the official Facebook page of Akademi Kenegaraan Malaysia (AKM), where Ismail previously held the position of deputy director-general (Training).
“All members of AKM extend their heartfelt congratulations to Datuk Ismail Yusop on his appointment as JKOM director-general. We wish him good health and hope he will be granted ease in fulfilling the duties and responsibilities entrusted to him,” the post read.
Ismail also served as deputy director-general of JKOM before his promotion. His appointment follows the termination of Dr Mohd Khairuddin Othman’s tenure in September 2024.
Dr Khairuddin, who is Paya Jaras state assemblyman and Selangor PKR secretary, had been appointed to the role on March 1, 2024, succeeding Professor Datuk Dr Mohammad Agus Yusof.
Agus’ resignation in November 2023 was shrouded in controversy after a video allegedly depicting a lewd conversation between him and then JKOM director-general Abdul Wahab Abdul Kadir Jilani went viral.
Wahab later filed a police report accusing Agus of sexual harassment during an incident at a hotel in Bintulu, Sarawak, on October 21, 2023.
Police reportedly completed their investigation into Wahab’s claims, and the investigation papers were submitted to the Attorney-General’s Chambers on December 18, 2023.
The lack of updates on the matter has since drawn criticism, including from Bersatu Youth late last year. – January 16, 2025