PAKATAN Harapan’s popularity has nosedived to 35% from the high of 87% recorded during the general election last year, reports Malaysiakini.

The portal, quoting sources, said the finding was revealed by independent pollster Merdeka Centre at a PH retreat in Subang yesterday.

The drop in popularity signifies the ruling pact’s risk of losing the Tanjung Piai by-election next month.

“Generally, PH is now an underdog and scores a ‘fail’ mark,” a source was quoted as saying.

The report said the pact’s popularity among Chinese and Indian voters dropped to 41% as of August, while 30% of Malays still backed it.

A Communications and Multimedia Ministry survey, too, has shown a decline in support for PH, said another source.

“Many reasons led to this, among them, the discrepancies and different voices between PH leaders. They criticise each other, and some (ministers) interfere in the business of another ministry, (and there is also) the lack of cooperation in the (structure) of PH.

“There were negative (views) in (response to) seven out of 10 policies introduced (or implemented). Many reasons (were given), not necessarily that the policy itself is bad, but due to all factors, they became something negative.”

The second source said Johor PH leaders have dismissed any chance of retaining Tg Piai, with the federal seat to be contested by Bersatu.

A Merdeka Centre survey in June showed PH’s popularity stabilising at 41%, with a noticeable decline in support among non-Malays.

According to that study, public perception of the pact recorded a steady fall from 75% in May last year to 41% 12 months later.

Malay backing for PH jumped four points to 32% in June, while Chinese support fell six points (51%) and Indians’ dipped five points (59%).

The survey said Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s approval rating jumped seven percentage points to 62% in June from 55% a month earlier. This followed a low of 46% in March. – October 6, 2019.