PUTRAJAYA: PKR Deputy President Rafizi Ramli stated that despite Merdeka Centre’s survey showing a decline in Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s popularity, PKR’s internal polls indicated the opposite trend. Rafizi revealed that PKR’s own survey showed an increase in Anwar’s popularity following his appointment as Prime Minister in November last year, with a slight decrease in May due to the depreciation of the ringgit. However, the survey showed a small rise in Anwar’s popularity in July and August, coinciding with the launch of various policy papers by the Unity Government.
During the PKR annual national congress at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre, Rafizi emphasized that the party has been relying on surveys and data to guide its decisions since 2016. PKR used to publish these surveys but now keeps them internal as a strategic tool.
Rafizi also expressed confidence in the stability of the Unity Government and Anwar’s leadership, stating that internal politics remain stable and public support has seen a slight increase of 1 to 2%. He stressed that the unity government is solid and public approval ratings are on the rise, although not significantly.
However, Rafizi lamented the state of Perikatan Nasional, stating that its future is uncertain. He believes that the opposition’s momentum in the previous six state elections cannot be sustained, especially with the internal instability within Bersatu and the challenges faced by the Unity Government in improving the economy.
Rafizi urged people to consider the context in which Merdeka Centre’s survey findings should be understood. The independent pollster reported Anwar’s personal approval rating falling to 50%, with 47% of respondents expressing dissatisfaction with his leadership. Only 31% of voters believe the country is headed in the right direction.
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Rafizi concluded by pointing out that Merdeka Centre’s ratings on Anwar should be compared with those of previous prime ministers, as they also faced declining support after about six months to a year. He downplayed the significance of the findings, citing positive economic indicators such as quarter-to-quarter growth for the first time in six years and low inflation at 1.8%.
In summary, Rafizi emphasized that the PKR’s internal surveys present a different picture of Anwar’s popularity compared to Merdeka Centre’s findings, and he expressed confidence in the stability of the Unity Government despite economic concerns.
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