KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak’s popularity rating has been rising steadily since 2009 while those in the opposition camp are losing their charm, according to a poll conducted by the International Islamic University of Malaysia (IIUM).The study on the popularity of five Malaysian leaders, conducted by IIUM’s Media and Election Studies Unit, also found that former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has maintained his popularity since leaving office in 2003.
Three other personalities in leadership roles – PKR’s Anwar Ibrahim, Kelantan Menteri Besar Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat and Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng – saw their popularity decline considerably, according to the study.- Prof Syed Arabi Idid of IIUM’s Communications Studies Department led the study, from March 2008 to July 2011, with his research coordinator Azrul Hisyam Wakichan.
An average sample of 1,500 respondents – Malay, Chinese and Indian registered voters – were asked how satisfied they were with the leadership qualities of the five leaders.- Syed Arabi attributed Najib’s improved rating to his relentless effort to touch base with the people and steer the country to a promising future.
- The study clearly indicated that the Malays, Chinese and Indians now find Najib favourable, he said.
- In October 2008, 35% of the Malay, 33% of the Chinese and 41% of the Indian respondents noted that they were satisfied or very satisfied with Najib but by July 2011, their approval increased to 59%, 45% and 62%, respectively, he said.
- “In a nutshell, people are finding Najib more acceptable now as their leader,” said Syed Arabi, who has been conducting studies on the popularity of political personalities since 1989.
- On the flagging popularity of Anwar, Nik Aziz and Guan Eng, he said it was probably contributed by current issues and their failure to achieve a common ground in many of the issues.
Meanwhile, Azrul Hisyam, who coordinated the study, said Malaysians hold high esteem for Mahathir and his legacy.An average of 74% of the respondents polled were in favour of Mahathir throughout the four-year period, he added.
He noted that Malaysians see Mahathir as a proven leader and a man who still speaks his mind without fear or favour. “They see him as an exemplary leader,” he said.
However, Islamic party (PAS) Deputy President does not believe that a survey conducted by an international university in July reflects the current sentiments of the people.- Mohamad Sabu said that had the survey been conducted now, the results would be different and Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak’s popularity would take a nose dive.
- “Under the present climate what with all the current controversies like the NFC, the KR1M and the national audit report, the results of the survey would be different.
Mohamad Sabu, better known as Mat Sabu said, there are too many scandals within Umno. He was responding a survey done by Professor Syed Arabi Idid from the Communication Studies Department of the International Islamic University (IIUM) on the popularity of five leader.
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