Malaysian PM Anwar's popularity rises even as growth slows
Economic concerns continued to dominate voters' minds as looming US tariffs dim the outlook for the trade-reliant nation. PHOTO: ST FILE
Support for Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim rose as he crossed the midpoint of his five-year term amid political stability.
The premier's approval rating stood at 55 per cent as at May 2025 , compared with 54 per cent in December 2024 and 50 per cent in November 2023, according to a poll by Merdeka Center . The ruling coalition also saw its rating climb to 50 per cent , compared with 40 per cent in June 2024.
Despite the improvement, negative sentiment towards the country's direction remains 'oversized', Merdeka Center said.
Economic concerns continued to dominate voters' minds as looming US tariffs dim the outlook for the trade-reliant nation. Half of the respondents said the country was headed in the wrong direction, citing unfavourable conditions and the high cost of living, the survey showed.
About a third of the respondents cited inflation as their biggest concern, even though it has slowed to 1.4 per cent in April 2025 , from as high as 2 per cent last year. Mr Anwar's government is set to introduce an expanded Sales and Services Tax from July 2025 and also plans to cut subsidies for its most commonly used petrol this year.
The Cabinet has also been rocked by the May 28 resignation of two key ministers, after an internal election for the People's Justice Party that Mr Anwar helms was marred by allegations of vote-rigging and nepotism. Merdeka Center's poll was conducted from May 12 to May 23, 2025 . BLOOMBERG
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