Only 20 pct feel country heading in right direction, Merdeka Centre poll finds

KUCHING: The majority of those participating in the latest Merdeka Centre poll say that Malaysia is heading in the wrong direction.

The survey showed that 63 per cent of individuals in May 2018 after the general election thought the country was headed in the right direction, but the percentage plummeted to just 20 per cent last November.

“Voters’ sentiments across the board have continued a gradual slide over sensationalised public issues during the past six months: Jawi lessons in vernacular schools, and statements on civil servants’ pension scheme and critical allowances, arrests of DAP lawmakers for alleged LTTE links, and increased public debate on race and religious matters,” Merdeka Centre said.

The opinion research firm found that economy was among biggest problems faced by the country, identifying inflation, lower income, unemployment, unfavourable economic condition in general, and the rising price of houses as the five top economic concerns.

“Confidence in PH (Pakatan

Harapan) to run the economy continues to decline as discourse over govt (sic) expenditure, sale of assets, and uncertainties on proposed public infrastructure initiative (e.g. toll road nationalisation) mounts,” it added.

The firm also said the unveiling of the Shared Prosperity Vision 2030 has not arrested the pace of decline.

Other major problems identified were crime and social problems (public safety), racial issues and political issues (governance and leadership or corruption).