MALAYSIANS are more concerned about their jobs and surviving the economic crisis rather than the chaotic politics in the country, said PKR vice-president Chua Tian Chang.

Chua, or better known as Tian Chua, told The Malaysian Insight that at this stage, chanting slogans to appease supporters is not effective in helping those in need.

The Slim by-election in Perak is on Saturday and the Sabah elections next month.

The Slim by-election follows the death of its assemblyman, Mohd Khusairi Abdul Talib, 59, from a heart attack.

The Sabah elections, meanwhile, are called after Shafie Apdal (Warisan) and Musa Aman (Perikatan Nasional) both claimed to have the majority to form the government.

To solve the impasse, Sabah Governor Juhar Mahiruddin dissolved the state assembly, paving the way for fresh polls.

Chua said the people are angry and feel that no one is listening to their problems.

“The key now is to help people who are facing difficulties.”

Chua said if parties seek a show of support, the first thing people will ask politicians is what they have done for them.

Voters are disgusted with the never-ending issues going on between political parties, he said.

“In order to gain their (people’s) support, we need to help them when they need it the most.”

One way, he said, is through the Malaysian Independent Social Organisation (Daya) that he established

Cash aid might help low-income folk but it’s only a temporary measure, he said, adding that it does not solve their problems.

Even the middle-income group, the M40, is facing financial problems.

“After the loan moratorium ends in September, the people will be worried if their jobs still exist. So we will focus on helping them find jobs.”

According to data from the Statistics Department, the unemployment rate rose to 5.3% in May where 826,100 people were jobless.

This was due to the movement-control order (MCO) to stem the chain of Covid-19 infections.

The Malaysian Employers’ Federation also said a critical turning point for the economy would come in October when many of Putrajaya’s post-Covid-19 schemes end.

“We will set up a digital platform to assist small and medium enterprises and we will also use digitalisation to help the unemployed find jobs,” Chua said.

At present, Daya is collecting information about businesses looking for workers.

It will then find the right match and introduce the workers to their prospective employers.

Taking into account the market trend, Chua said the platform is mainly for odd jobs, not long-term employment.

“The job market is not very stable at the moment.”

Many companies may have jobs but they will be more cautious about hiring long-term employees.

“This new platform will focus on giving people temporary odd jobs to increase their income.”

Many companies currently need people to complete their projects, so the openings are mostly for odd jobs, he said.

“The design and other aspects of the platform are 80% complete and will be launched soon.” – August 25, 2020.