SUPPORT for Barisan Nasional (BN) by Malay voters dropped by 5% between September 30 and October 28, the Merdeka Center for Opinion Research said in its latest pre-election survey.

The independent pollster said in September the support of Malay voters for the coalition was at 37%, but in October it fell to 32%. 

In May, 40% support was registered, and in July it slipped to 36%. 

The decline in BN support brought about an increase in favour among the community for Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Perikatan Nasional (PN).

PH registered 13% support, a 3% increase from the 10% it had recorded in a similar survey in September.

PN, in the latest survey, had the backing of 20% of respondents, which was a 5% increase from the 15% it had polled in September.

The survey conducted between May and October this year had asked 1,209 respondents their choice of party to represent them.

The coalitions contesting in the 2022 general election are BN, PH, PN and Gerakan Tanah Air. 

On the factors driving voting choices, the survey found that preferences among voters are now centred on local candidates.

Of the poll’s total number of respondents, 31% placed emphasis on local candidates, while 21% chose the party. Only 13% cited national leadership. 

“We note that there are some differences between age groups, first time young voters aged up to 20 were twice as likely to look at national leadership (24%) compared to the rest of the electorate. 

“Younger voters were also more open with their responses compared to the older generation.”

Merdeka Center also said that the respondents’ choice of candidates are based on their characteristics. 

It said the two most important desirable features were someone who “has good ideas for the country” at 27%, “clean and trustworthy” at 24%, and “able to bring development to the area” at 13%. 

“Here again, young voters placed greater emphasis on ‘clean and trustworthy’ at 34% and held less importance on a candidate’s ability to ‘bring development’ which garnered only 4%.”

The Election Commission has set Saturday as nomination and polling on November 19. – November 4, 2022.