OVERALL sentiments on the direction the country is taking has jumped four percentage points, the latest survey on public perception showed.

Those who felt that the country was headed in the right direction increased from a low of 34% (March 2019) to 40% in June 2019, said the Merdeka Centre for Opinion Research.

Conversely, those who felt the country was headed in the wrong direction also fell to 38% from 46% in March 2019.

The survey also showed improved sentiments among Malay respondents.

Malay sentiments on the direction of the country rose seven points to 31% from a low of 24% in March 2019.

Chinese sentiments towards the country’s direction also rose 10 points to 53% between March and June 2019.

But while Malay and Chinese sentiments showed an improvement, Indian sentiments have taken a dip. 

The survey showed that Indian sentiments on the direction of the country fell to 45% from 63% in March 2019.

According to Merdeka Centre, the improved sentiments was likely due to improved clarity about the government’s plans after the announcement of the Felda and Tabung Haji rescue plans.

Another factor, said Merdeka Centre, was the Bantuan Sara Hidup cash aid.

Among the reasons cited for the improved sentiments were good administration (18%), the fight against corruption (15%) and improving economy (10%).

Those who said the country was headed in the wrong direction said they were concerned with the economy (32%), leadership (12%) and weak administration (12%).

Merdeka Centre conducted its perception survey on the country’s direction and leadership between June 28 and July 1 this year.

The public poll was carried out with 961 respondents above the age of 21 from all states across Peninsular Malaysia. The survey’s margin of error is estimated at 3.16%. – July 20, 2019.