SHAH ALAM, 18 Dec: The approval rating of Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak, among voters has plummeted 10 points from 62 percent to 52 percent in December compared to August this year, according to a recent survey conducted by the Merdeka Centre.
Merdeka Centre said that the survey was conducted on 1,005 respondents, consisting of Malay, Chinese and Indian voters in Peninsular Malaysia between 4 to 12 December 2013.
“The timing of this poll took place after the reduction of fuel subsidies in September 2013, tabling of the 2014 national budget during which the government announced the introduction of the Goods and Services Tax or GST (to be implemented in 2015), as well as additional statements on the increase of electricity tariff rates slated for January 2014,” Merdeka Centre said in its media statement.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s approval rating has taken the lowest dip since assuming office in September 2009.
The survey showed that Najib’s drop in popularity was most significant among the Indians, with a drop of 19 points, 76 percent in August to 57 percent currently.
However, Najib’s popularity only declined by a little among voters with access to the internet; by nine points only (40% – 31%) compared to voters without Internet access, with a drop of 12 points (67% – 51%).
“This survey also found that 55% of Peninsular Malaysia voters reporting that they do not quite understand how the Goods and Services Tax will work and affect them.” the statement said.
Additionally, 54% of respondents report that they do not believe in government leaders’ statements about the country’s economic situation, according to Merdeka Centre.