PRIME Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad said he was not worried about results of a recent survey signalling a plunge in popularity for his ruling coalition, adding that the government had a long way more to go before the next general election to earn back the support of the people.

Dr Mahathir said that as Pakatan Harapan was no longer the opposition, it must expect to be criticised and be prepared to lose some popularity, but should still continue to stand by its policies to better the country.

“When you are doing something, of course it is open to criticism. When you are in opposition, all you do is to criticise, you do nothing. So there is nothing to criticise about them.

“We are aware, when you become the government, we expect to be criticised and to lose some of our popularity.

“But the election is different; the election will make proper assessment as to who is fit to govern,” he said.

Dr Mahathir said he was not worried that the dipping popularity would weaken the coalition’s chances of securing another term in government, saying that the 15th general election was still “a long way”.

“In the meantime, we will do lots of things. At this moment, we are constrained with all the wrong doings of the previous government.”

During his earlier speech at a meeting with senior government officials in Putrajaya, Dr Mahathir said even though Pakatan Harapan’s popularity has dropped, the government will continue to fight corruption to save the country.

He added that during the Barisan Nasional administration it was normal for the government officials to accept bribes.

Dr Mahathir’s popularity rating 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 PH federal government positive ratings, just weeks short of its first year in power. – April 30, 2019.