Malaysians cast doubt on Anwar’s rising approval rate as reforms and economy stall

Poll results showing Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim enjoying higher approval ratings have sparked heated debates, with his critics saying the data does not reflect widespread anger over the country’s stagnant economy and the backtracking of his reformist agenda.

Prominent opinion research firm Merdeka Centre released the results of a new survey on Monday that found Anwar’s approval rating rose to 54 per cent, from 50 per cent last year. Satisfaction with his administration’s performance also increased to 51 per cent from 46 per cent.

Many online users have reacted to the results of the survey, which was conducted from November 27 to December 10, with scepticism.

The small sample size of just over 1,200 people was a sore point for many, who questioned whether the poll was an accurate gauge of the broad sentiment in a country of 34 million people.

“The survey represents just 0.0037 per cent of the population,” read a comment by Facebook user Tharmaraj Raj.

Polling experts note such a sample size – when properly designed to make it representative – could yield accurate results, a point highlighted by the Merdeka Centre about its methodology.