Michael Aw

For decades, fiscal discipline and balanced budgets were the guiding light for finance ministers across the globe. That the institutions who were staunch defenders of this approach are now calling to abandon it is testament to the extent of the economic disruption we are witnessing. The upcoming budget is the best opportunity to start putting this new paradigm into practice.

Despite the public perception that Malaysia has a bloated civil service, there is a dire need for more healthcare workers to combat the coronavirus pandemic. Our Visiting Researcher, Farhana Roslan speaks on the government's role in creating sustainable jobs of demand in the public sector as the nation rebuilds amidst the pandemic. For one, the health sector, along with education, is in need of more staff in the COVID-19 fight.

民主行动党万宜国会议员王建民博士促请政府在即将来临的2021年财政预算案必须着重在卫生、教育及人民福利，至于扩大财政赤字反而是次要考量。

经济分析员认为，在大马面临新冠肺炎疫情的非常时期，2021年财政预算案的分配重点应该在三个领域，教育、卫生和人民福祉。

义腾研究中心认为，教育、医疗及社会福利是财政预算案要去解决的关键领域，以促进我国未来的繁荣发展。

Education, healthcare and social welfare are key areas the government must address in Budget 2021, as these can contribute to both short- and long-term prosperity. At present, social welfare measures need to be implemented to combat rising unemployment and underemployment to mitigate effects on the economy, one being a change in consumption pattern.

Underemployment is rarely addressed compared to unemployment. Due to the MCO, industries have had reduced operating hours, which typically resulted in lower salaries and wages received, particularly in semi-skilled and low-skilled jobs. If left unaddressed, there is a risk Malaysia will be faced with higher levels of underemployment and unemployment compared to prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.