THERE is a gap between the sentiment of party supporters and the cooperation of leaders in the government, says a recent survey looking at the first 100 days of the unity government. However, the people are still optimistic about the country’s direction and are willing to give the unity government the opportunity to fulfil its election promises within five years.
The survey found that 34% of its 35,077 respondents think that the cooperative relationship between political parties in the unity government is going well while 30% are not sure.
Around 33% meanwhile accept the cooperation between Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional in forming the unity government, while 20% are neutral about it.
When it comes to Sabah and Sarawak blocs joining any parties that are able to form a government, 39% of respondents are for it while 27% remain neutral.
However, when looking along party lines, 59% of Barisan supporters said they reject the pact while 32% of Gabungan Parti Sarawak supporters and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah supporters rejected their parties’ cooperation.
Only Pakatan supporters widely supported the cooperative relationship, with 62% accepting it and only 12% rejecting the political pact.
Conducted by research firm O2 Research Malaysia in collaboration with local media alliance Media in Arms, the online survey was aimed at uncovering the sentiments of the people regarding the performance and popularity of the unity government from December 2022 to February 2023. It concluded before Budget 2023 was announced on Friday.
Media in Arms comprises five mainstream media publishers: Sin Chew Daily, Sinar Harian, Astro Awani, Malaysia Nanban and The Star.
Interestingly, around 47% accept Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s appointment as Prime Minister after the 15th General Election (GE15) while 16% take a neutral stand. Up to 54% of respondents accept Perikatan Nasional’s position as the leading Opposition bloc.
An average of 29% of respondents said they accepted the appointment of minsters and deputy ministers in the unity government’s Cabinet.
However, when it comes to individual approval ratings, Anwar only clinched 40%, putting him in the second spot behind Transport Minister Anthony Loke who got a 49% approval rating.
Around 25% are satisfied with the unity government’s efforts in delivering on its GE15 manifesto while 35% are confident in its ability to deliver on the manifesto within five years.
The overall trust level in institutions under Anwar’s administration is average, with 35% rating judicial institutions as having a high level of trustworthiness and 25% saying they have a moderate trust level in them.
Another 33% said they have a high trust level in the Royal Malaysia Police while 31% gave it at a moderate level of trustworthiness. Around 31% of respondents also said that they have a high trust level in the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission while 31% rated the Attorney General’s Chambers as highly trustworthy.
Enough time?
Noting the number of respondents who were unsure about some aspects of the unity government in the survey, O2 Research head researcher Anis Anwar says that some people feel that 100 days is too short a period to judge a government.
“However, the first 100 days are considered essential for any new government since it has a limited amount of time to make an impres-sion and establish its legitimacy.
“Evaluating the government’s performance throughout this period can provide crucial insights into its ability to deliver on campaign promises and navigate the obstacles and complexities of governance.
“It also allows the public and stakeholders to hold the government responsible for its activities and assess if the promised transformation is being delivered,” he adds.
“Furthermore, the first 100 days can establish the tone for the government’s whole term, as well as providing insight into the government’s goals and capacity to carry out plans. As such, it is an essential time for the public to keep an eye on, as it provides vital data for continued analysis and evaluation of the government’s performance.”
Anis believes the unity government can tap into the findings of the first 100 days survey in several ways.
“Other than measuring public approval to identifying strengths and weaknesses, the findings can also help the government to respond to the challenges revealed and improve its accountability.
“The survey can also provide early warning signals of any obstacles or issues that the government may face in its tenure, allowing the ruling party to respond quickly and proactively to these concerns.
“By providing a measurable benchmark for the government’s performance, the survey can aid in improving accountability and transparency, and provide the public with a better understanding of the government’s actions and policies.
Anis notes that surveys can also be used to hold the ruling party accountable for its activities, as well as providing useful information to Opposition parties and other stakeholders who are critical of the government’s performance.
“A survey conducted during the first 100 days of an administration can provide useful information to both the ruling party and those who hold them accountable,” he adds.
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