Pakatan approval rating 39%, Dr Mahathir down to 46%, says Merdeka Centre


Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has lost some popularity since last August. – The Malaysian Insight file pic, April 26, 2019

PRIME Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s popularity rating has dropped to 46% from 71% recorded last August, said pollster Merdeka Centre based on its latest survey.

The survey also showed only 39% of Malaysian voters gave the Pakatan Harapan federal government positive ratings, just weeks short of its first year in power.

“The decline in public support for the administration can also be seen in the number of voters who felt the country was headed in the wrong direction that increased from 24% in August to 46% in March.

“The decline in ratings are likely to be attributable to three factors – condition of the economy perceived by ordinary consumers, perceived performance of the administration, and concerns over Malay rights and privileges as well as fair treatment of the other races in Malaysia.

“As a result, public satisfaction in the government’s management of the economy has fallen from 60% in August to 40% in March,” Merdeka Centre said in a statement today.

The survey was carried out between March 5 and 11 to gauge voter perceptions towards the economy, and current leadership and issues.

A total of 1,204 registered voters comprising Malay (52%), Chinese (29%), Indian (7%), Muslim Bumiputera (6%), Non-Muslim Bumiputera from Sabah and Sarawak (6%) were interviewed.

The poll was funded by the centre’s internally generated financial resources.

Merdeka Centre reported the survey also indicated that only 34% of voters believed that the country was heading in the right direction, compared to 55% last August.

“This sentiment was more acute among Malay voters where only 24% felt the country was headed in the right direction.” 

Some 40% of voters expressed satisfaction in the way the government is managing the economy now, down from 60% last August while 46% of voters were satisfied with the prime minister compared to 71% last August. 

A total of 67% of those surveyed agreed the ruling pact needed more time to fulfil its election pledges. 

The Pakatan Harapan government is set to celebrate its first year in power on May 9 after its historic win in last year’s general election.

Since then, the government has come under fire for failing to keep its election promises as well as to reduce the cost of living. – April 26, 2019


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Comments


  • What do surveys like this actually tell us? If TDM is getting 46%, who is getting the balance 54%? How many Malaysians took part in this survey? Who are they? How relevant is their view? What is the objective of this type of survey?

    Posted 4 years ago by Citizen Pencen · Reply

  • When corruption in the government is practically almost unheard of nowadays, it is hard to believe those figures in the survey. It may be true that the performance of PH is not satisfactory, nevertheless the dissatisfaction should not to be taken as disapproval. They have different meanings.

    Posted 4 years ago by Tanahair Ku · Reply

  • Can the 1200 plus people represent all the Malaysian? Must think how hard the new government work to build back the country after been robbed by the former BN government, Najib and Gang.

    Posted 4 years ago by SY L · Reply

  • You mean the people accept that billions are siphoned practically from all coffers of GLCs bankrupting the Treasury and rampant corruption that occurred in the previous administration is totally acceptable? Bribing and corrupting the rakyat abusing the due process of the law threatening action against anyone for going against the government even with the flimsiest of excuse is welcome with open arms? This is absolutely mad stupid and you need your head examined. Do they miss the peanuts and crumbs thrown by the kleptocrat?

    Posted 4 years ago by Justin Leno · Reply

  • 1,200 people only over 18 to 22 million people Merdaka Center nothing but a bunch of Monkey Clowns.

    Posted 4 years ago by Danial Abdullah · Reply