Latest news with #MerdekaCenter
The Star
5 hours ago
- Business
- The Star
Asean News Headlines at 10pm on Monday (June 23, 2025)
Malaysia: * PM Anwar approval rating rises to 55% on the back of economic, political factors, says Merdeka Center * Lee and Anwar discuss FTA, expanding South Korea-Malaysia cooperation, reports Yonhap * Basic needs exempted from revised SST to protect vulnerable households, says Treasury sec-gen * DPMs, Cabinet ministers convey condolences over death of Sarawak Premier's wife * PM Anwar extends condolences over passing of Sarawak Premier's wife * High Court stays freeze order on Na'imah's assets * Video clip case: MACC calls in another Sabah politician * Investment scam ring busted, 10 nabbed in Puchong raid * 17 Malaysians evacuated from Iran return home * Sabah government backs wildlife film to boost tourism * Tax, transport and juice: Triple blow could spike imported fruit prices, traders warn * Nine-year-old girl dies from alleged abuse in Melaka * CIMB revises 2025 GDP forecast to 4.3% on trade easing, stronger US ties * Govt aims for 200,000 individuals to be discharged from bankruptcy in 2025 * Hadi Awang showing strong recovery after heart procedure, says Terengganu MB * Malaysia continues to strengthen public service as people's needs evolve, UN forum told * Sarawak govt monitoring military aircraft incident at Kuching International Airport / RMAF confirm aircraft CN-235 experienced nose landing gear issue A number of suspected drug smugglers are presented to the media during a press conference at the Indonesian Customs Office in Jakarta, on Monday, June 23, 2025, following the uncovering of some 172 international drug smuggling cases from April to June 2025, with a total of 285 suspects arrested. -- Photo by ADITYA IRAWAN / AFP Singapore: * Important to continue nurturing trust and understanding, Singapore PM Wong tells Chinese Premier * Singapore Airlines cancels all flights to Dubai until Wednesday amid Middle East conflict * 11 Singaporeans have left Iran since start of conflict, says foreign ministry * Singapore could host Fifa youth competition, says Fifa chief Gianni Infantino * 'Les Miserables – The Arena Spectacular' marches into Singapore next March * Singapore's annual core inflation rate 0.6% in May, matching poll forecast * Singapore thanks Malaysia and Oman for evacuating citizens from Iran * UK aircraft carrier docks at Marina Bay Cruise Centre * Young people in Singapore carrying weapons as 'fashion accessory': Counsellor * Singaporean actress Hong Ling leaves honeymoon planning to husband Nick Teo * Testing the waters across Causeway - Singapore semiconductor company UMS Integration Ltd's impending secondary listing in Bursa Malaysia Indonesia: * Indonesia arrests 285 in drug crackdown and seizes over half a ton of narcotics * Nations react to US strikes on Iran with many calling for diplomacy * Indonesia probes second bomb threat on Saudia haj flight * Aceh-North Sumatra dispute triggers wider border tensions * Indonesia weather agency revises outlook, shorter dry season in 2025 * Extradition hearing for Indonesian businessman Tannos begins in Singapore * Asian stocks, currencies dip as Iran conflict sparks risk aversion * Oil prices spike after US strikes on Iran / Oil hits five-month high after US hits key Iranian nuclear sites Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra speaks during a press conference about policies to curb scam centers in Cambodia after a meeting at the Government House in Bangkok, Thailand, June 23, 2025. -- Photo: Government House of Thailand via REUTERS. Thailand: * Thai authorities seize more than two tons of crystal methamphetamine worth over US$90.8mil * Embattled Thai PM reshuffles cabinet as political crisis rages in country * Thailand bans Cambodian motorbikes at all checkpoints * Thailand heads into political turbulence as Cambodia row festers * Thai embassy in Jordan warns Thais amid Iran-Israel crisis escalation * Army says Cambodia amassing troops and heavy weapons along border * Thai PM taps military figure for defence minister * Thai PM rejects calls to step down over border row Philippines: * 'There's no case', Philippines VP Sara Duterte now wants Senate to dismiss impeachment case * Philippine VP Duterte responds to impeachment trial summons * Singer Ronnie Liang alarmed after scammers used his identity to ask money, court women * Senator bats for labour reforms as Philippines still in 'worst countries for workers' list * Construction worker Cardong Trumpo wins 'Pilipinas Got Talent' season 7 * Philippine VP Duterte criticises Marcos for leaning towards US * Asia - Shares slip, oil rises as investors weigh Iran risks Protesters shout slogans as they condemn the recent bombings of the US against Iran during a rally in Quezon city, Philippines. -- AP Photo/Aaron Favila Vietnam: * World's youngest self-made woman billionaire Lucy Guo says craving work-life balance means you're in wrong job * Police uncover drug syndicate in Johor, two Vietnamese women among arrested * Hanoi business closures driven by concerns over counterfeit goods * Downpour claims two lives in northern Vietnam * Vietnam's star tech firm VNG still planning US IPO * Beijing expresses concern over major trade routes through Gulf Myanmar: * Malaysia urges Asean-OIC collaboration on Myanmar crisis * Global media should report accurately on aggression against Iran, says IRNA * Airlines weigh Middle East cancellations after US strikes in Iran * Myanmar UEC chairman unveils plan to use voting machines nationwide in upcoming election * Oil prices stable as investors await Iranian response to US strikes This pool photo taken and released on Monday, June 23, 2025 by Agence Kampuchea Presse (AKP) shows Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet (right) greeting people who voluntarily evacuated from their homes near the Cambodia-Thailand border to a safety centre in Preah Vihear province. -- Photo by POOL / AFP Cambodia: * Cambodia and Thailand now shut land crossings as border row worsens * Cambodia bans fuel, gas imports from Thailand from midnight Sunday * Manet: Thailand must re-open borders before bilateral talks can take place * Cambodia claims Thai cyclists violated temple agreement * Cambodia PM orders halt to fuel imports from Thailand Laos: * Laos focuses on reducing dropouts and advancing education among young children * Luang Prabang charts bold tourism vision to become regional standout * Laos and South Korea launch medical university project in Vientiane Brunei: * Brunei-based law professor ranked among the world's top legal scholars * Nationwide Recycling Day concludes World Environment Day 2025 celebrations * Royals take the plunge at record-breaking coral planting School children prepare to lay flowers at a memorial to those who died to mark the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Okinawa, at the Peace Memorial Park in Itoman, Okinawa Prefecture on Monday, June 23, 2025. The three-month battle, often dubbed the -- Typhoon of Steel --, killed about 200,000 people, almost half of them local civilians. - Photo by JIJI Press / AFP AseanPlus: * Malaysian doctor highlights Semporna's stateless kids in London photo exhibit * Malaysia determined to be a film tourism destination * RM8mil CBT trial of Vivy Yusof, husband to begin on April 13, 2026 * Public tip-off leads to capture of fugitive rape suspect in Sibu * Maybank extends first green loan to fuel Charoen Pokphand's RE expansion in Malaysia * China warns of 'spillover of war' risk in Iran-Israel conflict * South Korea's Lee names first civilian defence minister in decades * Beijing issues weather warning for hottest days of year * Key Bangladesh party files case on alleged election rigging * Air India cuts less than 5% of narrowbody jet routes, suspends two international flights * Afghan police discover arms, ammunition * Stone carving discovered in Qinghai stirs debate * China says US attack on Iran has damaged its credibility * Key Bangladesh party files case on alleged election rigging * From bingsu to sashimi, popularity of cup foods going strong in South Korea * Australia says it supports US strike, calls for return to diplomacy * New Zealand's 'golden visa' scheme lures US investors * Actress Nashi accused of 'faking' records to take gaokao * Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba to skip NATO summit, source says * Tokyo voters punish Japan ruling party ahead of national election * Japan factory activity returns to growth after 11-month contraction, PMI shows * PETRONAS LNG, Japan's Jogmec partner to expand collaboration in LNG sector * Restaurants and food firms switching to noodles in Japan * India to see limited inflation fallout from oil * South Korea's Lee says Middle East situation is "very urgent" * Repatriation of human skeletons from Netherlands underway * IAEA says entrances to tunnels at Iran's Isfahan site hit by US strike * Iran's Fordow nuclear facility hit by Israeli attack, local official says * This madcap 10-storey-high rural 'nail home' is attracting visitors in China * Hague NATO summit aims to focus on Trump's spending goal but Iran looms large * Iran's parliament looking to suspend cooperation with UN nuclear watchdog - IRNA * Exclusive-Iranian retaliation against U.S. forces could come soon, U.S. officials say * Any Iranian closure of Hormuz Strait would be 'extremely dangerous', EU's top diplomat says * Pakistan condemns Trump's bombing of Iran - a day after nominating him for Peace Prize * South Korean artiste DJ Soda shares hair loss nightmare after bleaching mishap: 'I had to shave my head' * Frontman may get 'Squid Game' spinoff, Lee Byung-hun tells Jimmy Fallon * Golf -- Aussie Minjee Lee keeps her cool to bag third Major title at KPMG Women's PGA Championship
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Merdeka Center poll: 73pc of Malaysians say economy is top issue, Anwar gets 55pc approval rating
KUALA LUMPUR, June 26 — A total of 73 per cent of Malaysian voters identified economic issues as the biggest problem facing the country, according to a new mid-term survey by Merdeka Center on the performance of the Madani administration. According to the center's 'National Survey Highlights May 2025' report, when respondents were asked to name their top concerns, they pointed to inflation (33 per cent), economic growth (13 per cent), corruption (seven per cent), Also cited were job opportunities (seven per cent), and issues related to Malay rights and fair treatment of all races (seven per cent). Concerns over racial issues and public safety were comparatively low, at just three per cent each. 'Concerns over instability have evaporated, but there is a slight rise in [concerns regarding] identity politics (protection of Malay rights),' said the center. Leadership and governance ratings Despite these concerns, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's approval rating stood at 55 per cent, up from 53 per cent in December 2024. A further 36 per cent expressed dissatisfaction, while nine per cent were neutral. According to the centre, Anwar's ability to maintain a two-thirds majority in Parliament and provide political stability was credited for easing public anxiety over governance. Satisfaction with the overall performance of the government was evenly split, with 50 per cent expressing satisfaction and 48 per cent dissatisfaction. 'Public sentiments on the direction of the country shows 50 per cent of the voters surveyed think the country is headed in the wrong direction (compared to 61 per cent one year ago), while the number of voters that think the country is heading in the right direction improved to 43 per cent compared to 29 per cent in June 2024. 'The major reasons for the wrong direction remain focused on the trajectory of the national economy and the performance of the current administration,' the survey said. Demographic breakdown of public sentiment Among those who believed the country was heading in the wrong direction, 68 per cent were Indian respondents, followed by 55 per cent Malay and 43 per cent Chinese. According to Merdeka Center, by age group, those aged 51 to 60 made up the highest percentage of respondents who believed the government was on the wrong track, at 59 per cent. Meanwhile, younger respondents aged 21 to 30 were more optimistic, with 54 per cent saying the country was heading in the right direction. Macroeconomic trends 'In terms of the economy, government data indicates that inflation has cooled to just 1.4 per cent in March 2025 — a three-year low — and economic growth hit 4.4 per cent in the first quarter. The government's minimum wage hike to RM1,700, combined with festive cash aid for civil servants and ongoing fuel subsidies, has helped ease some public frustration over the cost of living. 'While the survey continues to show that the public's top concerns remain the economy, the absence of price shocks despite the withdrawal of diesel fuel subsidies in 2024, has helped ease sentiments,' said the center. The survey was carried out by the Merdeka Center between May 12 and 23, 2025, to gauge voters' perceptions of current developments. A total of 1,208 registered voters were surveyed, comprising 52 per cent Malay, 29 per cent Chinese, seven per cent Indian, six per cent Muslim Bumiputera, and six per cent non-Muslim Bumiputera (from Sabah and Sarawak). Respondents were interviewed via fixed line and mobile telephones, selected through random stratified sampling across age group, ethnicity, gender, and state constituency.
The Star
7 hours ago
- Business
- The Star
PM Anwar approval rating rises to 55% on the back of economic, political factors, says Merdeka Center
PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has a positive approval rating of 55% according to a recent survey conducted by research firm Merdeka Center. It attributed this to several factors such as Malaysians feeling the country is on steadier ground, easing political turbulence and with Anwar now leading a government with a two-thirds parliamentary majority. 'Institutional reforms like the revived Parliamentary Services Act 2025 also signal a return to principled governance. 'In terms of the economy, government data indicates that inflation has cooled to just 1.4% in March 2025, marking a three-year low, with economic growth hitting 4.4% in the first quarter. 'The minimum wage hike to RM1,700, combined with festive cash aid for civil servants and ongoing fuel subsidies, has helped ease some public frustration over the cost of living,' it said in a statement on Monday (June 23). The survey, conducted in May, asked a total of 1,208 registered voters comprising Malays at 52%, Chinese (29%), Indians (7%), Muslim Bumiputra (6%), and Non-Muslim Bumiputra from Sabah and Sarawak (6%). Respondents were selected based on a random stratified sampling along age group, ethnicity, gender and state constituency. The Merdeka Center said Anwar had enhanced Malaysia's global profile, referencing how the Prime Minister had hosted China President Xi Jinping and also Malaysia chairing Asean 2025. 'New investment deals, trade cooperation and leadership in Global South initiatives have bolstered his image at home. 'Still, bread-and-butter issues remain what moves the Malaysian public most,' it said, adding that the economy remains the public's top concern. It said the federal government's rating stands at 50% as of May, compared to being only 40% in June last year. 'Dissatisfaction towards the federal government stands at 48% compared to 58% a year ago. The tight spread between positives and negatives is largely driven by persistent concerns about cost-of-living pressures and anxiety over subsidy cuts slated to take place,' it said. The same survey revealed that 50% of voters felt the country was headed in the wrong direction, compared to 61% a year ago. The number of voters who felt the country is heading in the right direction rose to 43% compared to being at 29% in June last year. 'Major reasons for the wrong direction remain focused on the trajectory of the national economy and the performance of the current administration,' it said.
The Sun
7 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
Anwar's approval rises to 55% amid economic stability
KUALA LUMPUR: A survey by Merdeka Center, an independent organisation focused on public opinion research and socio-economic analysis, found that a majority of Malaysian voters gave Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim a positive approval rating of 55 per cent in May this year compared with 43 per cent in June last year. The centre said the survey on 1,208 registered voters showed that Malaysians are beginning to feel that the country is finally on steadier ground with political turbulence easing and Anwar now leading a government with a two-thirds parliamentary majority. 'Institutional reforms like the revived Parliamentary Services Act 2025 also signal a return to principled governance,' it said in a statement today. It said public frustration over the cost of living has also been mitigated by the government's minimum wage increase to RM1,700 combined with festive cash aid for civil servants and ongoing fuel subsidies amid inflation at a three-year low of 1.4 per cent in March 2025 and economic growth hitting 4.4 per cent in the first quarter. 'While the survey continues to show that the public's top concerns remain the economy, the absence of price shocks despite the withdrawal of diesel fuel subsidies in 2024 has helped ease sentiments,' it said. The centre said Anwar has also enhanced Malaysia's global profile by hosting China's President Xi Jinping and chairing ASEAN in 2025 which gave him a diplomatic spotlight. 'New investment deals, trade cooperation and leadership in Global South initiatives have bolstered his image at home,' it said. At the same time, the centre said the federal government's rating also improved to 50 per cent in May 2025 compared with 40 per cent in June 2024. It said dissatisfaction towards the federal government eased to 48 per cent compared with 58 per cent a year ago. 'The tight spread between positives and negatives are largely driven by persistent concerns about cost of living pressures and some anxiety over subsidy cuts slated to take place in the near future,' it said. It said the number of surveyed voters who think the country is headed in the wrong direction declined to 50 per cent compared with 61 per cent a year ago while the number of voters thinking the country is heading in the right direction improved to 43 per cent compared with 29 per cent in June 2024. 'The major reasons for the wrong direction remain focused on the trajectory of the national economy and the performance of the current administration,' it said. The survey was carried out between May 12 and May 23 to gauge voters' perceptions of current developments as the MADANI administration marks the midpoint of its term in office. Respondents who comprised 52 per cent Malay, 29 per cent Chinese, seven per cent Indian, six per cent Muslim Bumiputra and six per cent Non-Muslim Bumiputra from Sabah and Sarawak, reflective of the national electoral profile, were interviewed via fixed line and mobile telephones.
Free Malaysia Today
8 hours ago
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Govt approval rating up by 10%, says research house
Merdeka Center's latest report, issued to mark the midpoint of the Anwar Ibrahim-led administration's five-year term, said Malaysians are beginning to feel the country is on a more stable footing following a period of political instability. (File pic) PETALING JAYA : The approval rating for the government has risen to 50%, while a majority of Malaysian voters has given Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim a positive approval rating of 55%, according to research house Merdeka Center. The latest approval rating for the government marks a 10% improvement from the 40% scored in June last year. In December of last year, Anwar's approval rating stood at 54%, while in June 2024 it was 43%. Merdeka Center's latest report, released to mark the midpoint of the Madani administration's five-year term, said Malaysians are beginning to feel the country is on a more stable footing following a period of political instability. 'Malaysians are beginning to feel the country is finally on firmer ground, with political turbulence easing and Anwar now leading a government with a two-thirds parliamentary majority. 'Institutional reforms like the revived Parliamentary Services Act 2025 also signal a return to principled governance,' the report, based on a survey carried out in May, said. It also said economic factors played a key role. Inflation eased to a three-year low of 1.4% in March, while gross domestic product grew by 4.4% in the first quarter. The report said the government's move to raise the minimum wage to RM1,700, provide festive cash aid to civil servants, and maintain fuel subsidies appear to have eased public anxiety over the rising cost of living. However, the survey noted that Malaysians remain most concerned about everyday economic issues. 'Bread-and-butter issues – not foreign policy or speeches – still move the Malaysian public the most,' Merdeka Center said. While Anwar's international engagements, including hosting Chinese president Xi Jinping and chairing Asean, have raised Malaysia's diplomatic profile, they have had less impact on voter sentiment than domestic issues. Dissatisfaction towards the federal government stands at 48% compared to 58% a year ago, although concerns linger over possible subsidy cuts in the near future. On the country's direction, 43% of those surveyed said Malaysia is heading the right way, an improvement from 29% in June 2024. Meanwhile, 50% still believe it is going in the wrong direction, down from 61% a year earlier. The poll was conducted from May 12 to 23 with 1,208 registered voters. The respondents were selected through random stratified sampling across age, ethnicity, gender and state constituencies.
