Anwar enjoyed 88% Chinese support in state polls, but 24% from Malays, survey finds

 

PETALING JAYA: The outcome of the recently-concluded six state elections showed that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim enjoyed 88% of Chinese support, according to a survey by Ilham Centre.

The local think tank said this was followed by 81% of Indian support.

Anwar’s support from other ethnic groups stood at 75%, but the premier only had 24% backing from the Malays.

As a whole, Anwar enjoyed 42% support from all Malaysians in the six states - Selangor, Penang, Negri Sembilan, Terengganu, Kedah and Kelantan - which recently held the polls.

The survey also indicated that Anwar enjoyed 27% support in Kedah, Terengganu (21%) and Kelantan (10%).

On the other hand, Anwar enjoyed 70% support in Penang, followed by 62% in Selangor and Negri Sembilan, respectively.

Ilham Centre’s executive director Muhamad Hisommudin Bakar said the survey indicated divided views according to race and localities.

He said Perikatan Nasional had the support from PAS-held states and state seats with a Malay majority.

"The Prime Minister’s popularity is well-received in states under Pakatan and Barisan Nasional, but there is disruption in Malay votes.

"Perikatan’s messages and narratives are dominantly influencing voters in Malay-majority areas," said Muhamad Hisommudin.

He said the government’s Malaysia Madani concept was on the right track.

"But, it requires quadrupled efforts on comprehensive explanatory sessions to the people," added Muhamad Hisommudin.

In the survey, the Malaysia Madani concept was only understood by 45% of its respondents, where the bulk of it came from locals in Penang, with 63%, followed by Negri Sembilan at 56% and Kedah (52%).

Muhamad Hisommudin also said Perikatan dominated the TikTok platform during campaigns for the six state polls.

"The unity government’s narrative was drowned out by Perikatan’s narrative," he added.

Muhamad Hisommudin also said it is crucial for Anwar and his team to change current political trends which were currently siding with Perikatan.

"If this trend continues, Perikatan can wrest seats from Umno, as well as mixed seats held by PKR and Amanah," he added.

Ilham Centre’s survey polled 2,416 respondents in the six states from July 11-27.

The final phase of its survey polled 2,304 respondents in the same states from July 29-Aug 8. - Star