PRESS ROOM

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.

Belanjawan 2021 sepatutnya mempunyai defisit belanjawan lebih tinggi untuk pemulihan ekonomi lebih pantas. Kadar meminjam pada waktu ini dijangka akan lebih berdaya saing dan berada pada tahap terendah. Ianya tidak akan memberi keburukan kerana banyak negara dijangka melakukan perkara sama bagi merangsang kembali ekonomi yang terjejas kerana pandemik COVID-19.

The government should not be afraid of incurring a larger budget deficit and should borrow more to speed up economic recovery. Immediate efforts should focus on supporting those who have lost jobs or have reduced income. The creation of better jobs will be vital as we recover, and the health & education sectors are areas the government should stimulate.

Pengembangan sektor pendidikan awam dan penjagaan kesihatan awam akan mewujudkan peluang pekerjaan dan meningkatkan pendapatan ketika permintaan buruh sektor swasta dilihat lemah, serta membantu Malaysia mendepani dua cabaran jangka panjang, iaitu perubahan teknologi & demografi.

The creation of good jobs and securing livelihoods through decent pay should be of first and utmost importance in the nation's economic agenda as we battle through this pandemic turned economic crisis as a "national mission" in a "whole of government" approach.