Poll finds M’sians expect govt to bring about stability

PETALING JAYA: A Merdeka Centre survey found that 77% of the respondents believed the unity government could bring about stability and inclusiveness to the country’s politics.

About 75% accepted Perikatan Nasional’s decision to remain as the Opposition and 66% consented to Barisan Nasional as part of the Pakatan Harapan-led government.

The survey, carried out in the second month after the general election, involved 1,209 voters comprising 52% Malays, 29% Chinese, 7% Indians, 6% Muslim bumiputras and 6% non-Muslim bumiputras (from Sabah and Sarawak). It also found two-thirds (or 68%) of its respondents gave Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim positive ratings for his leadership.

The Prime Minister’s approval ratings were highest among Indians (91%) with Chinese respondents coming in second with 73%.

Some 20% of the respondents voiced dissatisfaction with Anwar’s performance at the time of the survey.

(Merdeka Centre carried out the survey between Dec 26, 2022 and Jan 15 this year to gauge voter perceptions of current developments.)

The survey also saw 54% of the respondents saying that they were satisfied with the overall performance of the new government.

In an immediate response, Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin said it was “shocking” for a Prime Minister to score an approval rating of 68% in his early days.

Usually, in the first three months when a leader assumes the leadership, his popular rating should reach 80% and above, he said.

He said Anwar should have scored better due to his vast political experience and skills.