Govt approval rating up slightly this year at 51%, survey finds

PETALING JAYA: The Madani government has seen a slight improvement in voter ratings as its second administrative year comes to a close.

According to findings of a Merdeka Centre survey released on Monday (Dec 23), 54% of voters polled gave the Prime Minister a positive rating, up from 50% last year.

The overall rating for the Federal Government also saw an uptick from 46% last year to 51%.

The survey by the independent organisation focused on public opinion research and socio-economic analysis found voters to be generally satisfied with Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s performance in attracting investments, improving the country’s image, and improving the civil service.

They, however, gave a mixed assessment of efforts to strengthen the economy.

The survey was conducted in October and November and involved 1,207 registered voters from all racial backgrounds, comprising 52% Malay, 29% Chinese, 7% Indian, 6% Muslim bumiputra and 6% non-Muslim bumiputra from Sabah and Sarawak.

More voters, at 39%, think the country is heading in the right direction, compared to 36% last year.

Of the 53% who think the country is heading in the wrong direction, most cite economic issues as the main reason (47%) with the rest attributing it to political instability (7%) or poor administration (8%).

Dissatisfaction towards Putrajaya currently stands at 47%, said the report, largely driven by persistent concerns about cost of living pressures and anxiety over anticipated subsidy cuts.