Anwar remains most favoured political leader - Merdeka Center survey

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim remains the country’s most favoured political leader with a 52 percent approval rating, according to the latest Merdeka Center survey released today.

The survey, which was carried out between March 12 and April 9 this year, also found that 42 percent of Malaysian voters continue to believe that the country is moving in the right direction despite growing international uncertainties and economic challenges.

Merdeka Centre, in a statement today, said the percentage is unchanged from the figures recorded in December 2025 and February 2026.

“Across ethnic groups, 39 percent of Malay respondents said the country is moving in the right direction, compared to 50 percent among Chinese respondents and 33 percent among Indian respondents.

“By age group, respondents aged between 21 and 30 recorded the highest positive sentiment at 57 percent, while those aged 51 to 60 were the least optimistic at just 32 percent,” the statement said.

In terms of overall approval of the federal government, 50 percent of respondents expressed satisfaction, while 48 per cent said they were dissatisfied.

Across ethnic groups, both Muslim and non-Muslim bumiputera respondents from Sabah and Sarawak registered the highest satisfaction levels at 68 percent, followed by Chinese respondents at 53 percent.

Satisfaction among Indian and Malay respondents stood at 46 percent and 44 percent respectively.

By age group, satisfaction was highest among younger respondents aged 21 to 30, with 64 percent expressing approval of the federal government.

According to the survey, support for institutional reforms remains strong, with substantial backing recorded for proposals to limit the prime minister’s tenure to a maximum of two terms or 10 years, separate the roles of the attorney-general and public prosecutor, and introduce a direct election for the mayor of Kuala Lumpur.

“It should be noted that support for these political reforms showed little variation between Malay and non-Malay respondents, indicating that these proposals have gained broad cross-ethnic support,” it said.

The survey involved 1,209 voters comprising 51 percent Malay, 27 percent Chinese, eight percent Indian, seven percent Muslim bumiputera and seven percent non-Muslim bumiputera (from Sabah and Sarawak), through telephone interviews using stratified random sampling to reflect Malaysia’s electoral demographics.

- Bernama

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