Malaysians optimistic country is on the up-and-up, survey finds

PETALING JAYA: Malaysians are keen to move on from the political instability that has been plaguing the nation and give the new leadership a chance to prove itself, according to a Merdeka Centre survey.

However, the survey also indicated that the public – despite accepting the unity government – was still reserving judgement on their performance.

"A key factor in determining public satisfaction will be how well it can address the long-standing problem of tepid economic growth and rising cost of living.

"Reception towards the revamped 2023 national budget due to be tabled in the coming weeks will be an important milestone that will drive public response towards the new administration," they said in a statement on Friday (Feb 10).

The survey showed more than two-thirds of Malaysians gave Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim positive ratings.

Broken down by ethnicity, 91% of Indian voters viewed Anwar positively; Chinese (73%); Sabahan and Sarawakan bumiputra (70%); and Malays (60%).

The survey also found 54% of voters were satisfied with the performance of the new unity government, while only 25% were dissatisfied.

Nearly one-quarter did not provide a response to this, indicating some were still cautious after four years of tumultuous politics in the country.

There was rising optimism present among voters, however, with 48% believing the country was heading in the right direction compared to just 20% in October 2022.

On the outlook for Malaysia's economy in 2023, 43% of voters expressed optimism about their personal financial prospects compared to 38% in October 2022.

The vast majority of voters (79%), welcomed the results of the 15th General Election with 77% accepting Perikatan Nasional as the Opposition and 66% welcoming Barisan Nasional as part of Pakatan Harapan-led unity government.

Most voters (77%) also believe that the new government can bring stability and inclusiveness in the country's politics.