SHAH ALAM, 17 Oct: A national survey conducted by Merdeka Centre found that many Malaysian voters reject the government led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak at the moment.

According to the survey conducted in August, a large number of the Malay community are not satisfied with only 31 percent of voters supporting him compared to 52 percent recorded in January.

Today, the Singapore Straits Times reported that the Chinese community also expressed dissatisfaction with only 5 percent accepting Najib’s administration, compared to 11 percent in January.

The level of national acceptance decreased to 23 percent during the survey in August compared to 38 percent in January.

The survey was conducted several weeks after the cabinet reshuffling at the end of July when Najib dropped his Deputy, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, and another minister, Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal.

According to the Singaporean newspaper, the survey results was presented by Merdeka Centre to a financial sector analyst last week.

The independent agency said that it also shows that a high majority are disappointed with the way the government handled the economy with only 17 percent expressing their approval compared to 78 percent who are dissatisfied with the government in relations to the economic conditions.

The discontent of the people centres around the issue of cost of living, unemployment and impact of the goods and services tax (GST), which came into effect in April.

The performance of the ringgit is also a contributing factor, as the worst currency in Asia this year.

The survey by Merdeka Centre consistently showed that Malaysians are more concerned about heavy issues such as the cost of living, employment and housing compared to politics.

NS