Finance Minister Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz’s statement that Perikatan Nasional (PN) will create 500,000 new jobs without the backing of concrete policies seems like a total political gimmick. Zafrul lack of basic knowledge on “ekonomi-rakyat” and job creation is really hurting the people.

The government should introduce strategic policies to stimulate new industries to create new jobs for Malaysia.

The government should open the electricity grid to allow an entity to produce its electricity needs from renewable energy (RE) elsewhere and transport it to the required consumption site. Opening the electricity grid will mobilise capital from manufacturers into the RE sector and create new jobs.

Example, Sime Darby could produce electricity from palm oil waste from its plantations in rural areas to power its automotive showrooms and corporate offices in Selangor. In exchange Tenaga Nasional Berhad could collect a transmission fee for the use of the electricity grid.

The government could renovate government premises to be more energy efficient. The demand for energy efficient building materials will create jobs.

The government is expected to save about RM 12 billion in fuel subsidies between 2020 and 2021 due to lower petrol prices. The government could buy at least 13,300 electric buses for RM12 billion. These electric buses could be deployed to improve public transport creating thousands of jobs.

Th government should identify new industries to stimulate, thus creating jobs for Malaysians to address unemployment.

SHARAN RAJ
Central Committee
Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM)
&
State Secretary
Parti Sosialis Malaysia Negeri Melaka (PSM Melaka)