Malaysian public increasingly backs Anwar and administration at the halfway point, but how long will this support last?
Pumped Up Approval for Anwar Ibrahim's Government
KUALA LUMPUR: As the mid-point of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's tenure approaches, Anwar's government receives a thumbs-up from Malaysians, with analysts suggesting clear communication of policies and wage increases as crucial steps towards success in the upcoming election.
According to pollster Merdeka Center's latest survey, Anwar's approval rating hits a substantial 55%, an improvement from his previous low of 43% in June 2024 and a slight increase from 54% in December 2024. The government's approval rating stands at 50%, a notable enhancement from the 40% in June 2024 yet a trivial drop from last December's 52%.
The positive vibe is palpable, with 43% of the 1,208 voters surveyed believing the country is on the right track, as opposed to 29% in June 2024 and 42% last December. Simultaneously, the number of voters who think the country is heading in the wrong direction has dropped from 61% a year ago and 51% last December to half in the latest survey.
The latest Merdeka Center survey was conducted between May 12 and 23. According to the pollster, improvements in public sentiment could be attributed to a few factors, including economic stability, political tranquility, and governance reforms.
Economic Factors
Anwar's government's measures, such as increasing the minimum wage to RM1,700 and festive cash aid for civil servants, coupled with ongoing fuel subsidies, are successfully mitigating public frustration over the cost of living. Despite economic challenges taking the top spot as a concern (73% of respondents cited economic issues like inflation and growth as the biggest problems), these initiatives have fortified public confidence in Anwar's administration.
Political and Governance Factors
A two-thirds parliamentary majority and institutional reforms like the revived Parliamentary Services Act 2025 signal political stability and principled governance, bolstering public trust in the leadership. As a result, approval ratings among Malay Muslim voters have risen, with perceptions of opposition divisions and incompetence playing a significant role in this shift.
Public Sentiment and Leadership Perception
Increased public approval reflects the perception that the country is moving in the right direction. Malay approval has risen from 23% in November 2023 to 37% in the latest survey, with some analysts viewing this as a sign that the public views the country as more stable and principled under Anwar's leadership.
While recent political events, such as internal party elections within Anwar's PKR party, may not have been fully captured by the survey, the sentiment suggests a growing confidence in the government's performance and leadership.
All things considered, Anwar Ibrahim's rising approval is a direct result of tangible economic gains, political stability and a solid parliamentary majority, institutional reforms promoting principled governance, and a relatively weak and divided opposition, enhancing public confidence in his administration's performance midway through his term.
Top stories: Anwar Ibrahim's government's policy-and-legislation initiatives, such as economic stability measures and governance reforms like the revived Parliamentary Services Act 2025, have significantly boosted public approval ratings. In politics, general-news highlights show an increase in Malay approval from 23% to 37%, demonstrating that the public views the country as more stable and principled under Anwar Ibrahim's leadership.
