DATUK Seri Anwar Ibrahim has characterised the Merdeka Centre survey report – which shows falling approval for the prime minister – as not representing the overall voice of 32 million Malaysians.
He told reporters the results obtained were only based on the views of 1,200 respondents.
“We hear those views, but we have to try to accommodate the 32 million people (as well),” he was quoted as saying by Utusan Malaysia.
The Merdeka Centre survey report revealed that approval for the government’s performance under Anwar’s leadership declined to 41% in October.
However, the percentage is seen as being higher than the previous administration’s performance, involving the coalition government of Perikatan Nasional (PN) and Barisan Nasional (BN).
It is also higher than that for the Pakatan Harapan (PH) government led by then-prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad from May 2018 to February 2020.
The results of the survey found that the PN-BN government’s performance was rated at 31%, while the previous PH administration was at 30%.
The Merdeka Centre survey also revealed that 77.8% of respondents were of the view that economic conditions are the main problem facing the country.
Team to Gaza
On another matter, Anwar said he already has in mind a suitable candidate to fill the minister’s seat at the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, which is vacant following the death of Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub last July.
Asked by reporters if there is already a name for Salahuddin’s successor, he said: “There is, there is.”
Without revealing details, Anwar said an announcement would be made soon.
Salahuddin, 61, died at the Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital in Alor Setar, Kedah on the night of July 23 after undergoing surgery due to a brain haemorrhage.
On the situation in Gaza, Anwar said Malaysia was ready to send a volunteer force there during the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
The prime minister, however, added that that was subject to an agreement between the Arab countries, including those neighbouring the Palestinian territories.
“It is up to the joint decision. We are open to sending anything (team) and we are agreeable (to send volunteers).
“It is only subject to our agreement with the Arab countries and Islamic countries, especially the neighbours around Palestine,” he said.
He also lauded the four-day ceasefire starting today as being a great relief for the people there but said caution was needed because Palestine faces violent attacks, which remained a worrying prospect. – The Vibes, November 24, 2023.
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