THE high cost of living, low wages and jobs lost to foreigners are the main concerns for voters ahead of the 14th General Election, a recent survey by the Invoke Centre for Policy Initiatives (I-CPI) has shown.

“The respondents are concerned with economic issues, the high cost of living, jobs and low wages,” said PKR vice-president Rafizi Ramli.

“These issues are far more important to voters compared to bribery and misappropriation of public funds.”

The Pandan MP said the survey showed that the cost of living and the price of goods, which include the hugely unpopular goods and services tax (GST), topped the list of concerns among voters.

“Their other main concern is the huge number of foreign workers in the country, which they say is affecting job opportunities for citizens.”

Rafizi also said that support from Malay voters was more inclined towards Pakatan Harapan (PH) based on their concerns reflected in Barisan Nasional’s failure to carry out its responsibilities.

The survey showed 36% of Malay voters polled leaning towards PH, while support for BN was 35%.

As for Chinese voters, 53% supported PH and 22% said they would vote BN. Meanwhile, 42% of Indians said they would vote for PH, while 44% favoured BN.

The remainder supported PAS, had yet to decide or had decided not to vote.

The survey was conducted through telephone interviews with 17,107 respondents from June 5 to July 14.

“With this amount of support as of July 2017, there is a possibility that BN will lose in GE14 if PH succeeds in providing solutions for these three main concerns,” Rafizi said. – July 20, 2017.