Most are happy with govt, but naysayers are growing - survey

A recent survey has indicated that the majority of respondents (51 percent) believe the country is moving in the right direction.

However, that figure, according to independent pollster Merdeka Center, has been dropping steadily from a year-to-date high of 58 percent in May.

Malay respondents who believed that the country was going in the right direction fell by 10 percent from 82 percent in May to 72 percent in August.

"Public mood remains largely favourable, but there is a slight decline among Malay respondents, likely due to economic difficulties emerging in the post-MCO (movement control order) period as well as some concerns over politics," said Merdeka Center.

Of those who believe the national direction was correct, a quarter attributed this sentiment to the "good administration of the government" while a fifth was happy with the leadership.

An overwhelming majority of respondents (93 percent) approved of the government's management of the Covid-19 pandemic while 61 percent were happy in the management of the economy.

However, only 41 percent were happy with the government's job creation efforts while only 38 percent were happy with the government's fight against graft.

Political instability

As for the 34 percent who believed the country was on the wrong track, this was a slight increase from 30 percent in May.

"Almost one-third (31 percent) are frustrated because of perceived political instability, and 17 percent complained about economic problems such as unemployment and an adverse business climate," said Merdeka Center.

Overall, 58 percent of respondents are happy with the performance of the federal government.

Respondents who are Malay, low-income earners or working in civil service or GLCs are more likely to be happy with the federal government's performance.

The survey - conducted between July 15 and Aug 10 - involved 3,415 respondents that were selected through random sampling throughout the country to reflect the country's electorate.

It is apparent from Merdeka Center's data that it conducts voter perception surveys monthly, but only conducts periodical public releases. The last release was dated July 26, 2019. - Mkini