Anwar, KJ, Onn Hafiz lead top PM contenders list, survey shows

 Vodus Research says the three draw support for different reasons, including personal image, leadership, trustworthiness, and governance.

(From left) Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Khairy Jamaluddin and Johor menteri besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi emerged as the top three prospective prime ministerial candidates in a survey by Vodus Research.

PETALING JAYA:

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Khairy Jamaluddin and Johor menteri besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi are the three most prominent candidates for the country’s top post, according to a Vodus Research survey.

The Malaysia Prime Minister Candidate Study 2026, which surveyed 1,482 Malaysian adults from Aug 18 to Sept 1, found that Anwar recorded the highest public acceptance at 46%, while 34% picked him as their first choice.

“He was also the most widely recognised figure, with 93% of respondents familiar with him,” said Vodus Research in a statement today.

It said Anwar’s support was noticeably stronger in East Malaysia, where 41% selected him as their top choice, compared with 28% in Peninsular Malaysia.

Vodus Research, which noted that each figure draws public support for “markedly different reasons”, said former health minister Khairy was the strongest alternative to Anwar based on personal image.

“Strong and capable leadership, a clear national vision and trustworthiness were among the leading reasons cited. His 32% acceptance score placed him second on this measure, though his first-choice support was comparatively lower,” it said.

The study also tracked rising regional leaders, including Onn Hafiz, primarily reflecting confidence in his leadership, trustworthiness and ability to drive the economy.

Vodus Research noted there was room for his profile to develop further.

Similarly, Terengganu menteri besar Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar recorded strong ratings for integrity, good governance and his ability to drive the economy.

Former economy minister Rafizi Ramli remained associated with institutional reform, with favourable respondents pointing to his commitment to fighting corruption. However, he recorded a 20% rejection rate, contributing to a lower overall acceptance rating.

Vodus Research founder Kelvin Goh said public assessments of potential leaders “were more layered than a simple popularity contest”, pointing out that leaders who performed best in one dimension did not necessarily lead in another.

“Anwar’s stronger support in East Malaysia may partly reflect his administration’s greater focus on Sabah and Sarawak, including progress on MA63-related matters, Sabah’s revenue entitlements and Sarawak’s greater control over its resources.

“These moves have kept federal delivery (of promises), state rights and fiscal fairness highly visible in the region, which may have strengthened perceptions of Anwar’s leadership there,” he said. - FMT