Anwar topping leadership approval survey highlights reform support and political gaps

PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim remains the highest-rated national political figure in Malaysia, according to the latest Merdeka Centre survey, which places his positive approval at 52 per cent for the period between March 12 and April 9, 2026.

The findings suggest Anwar retains the widest cross-ethnic appeal among the figures assessed, with the survey indicating 45 per cent support among Malay respondents and 59 per cent among non-Malay respondents.

The survey compares Anwar with other prominent political leaders still active in national-level politics, including Parti Bersama Malaysia de facto leader and former Economy Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli, Perikatan Nasional figure and Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar, and Barisan Nasional chairman and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Rafizi recorded 32 per cent approval, followed by Ahmad Samsuri at 28 per cent, while Ahmad Zahid registered 24 per cent. By comparison, Rafizi received 36 per cent support among Malay respondents and 29 per cent among non-Malays.

Ahmad Samsuri recorded 48 per cent among Malay respondents but only 6 per cent among non-Malays, while Ahmad Zahid registered 31 per cent among Malays and 13 per cent among non-Malays.

Universiti Utara Malaysia Associate Professor Dr Mashitah Mohd Udin opined that the data points to a broader structural gap in multi-ethnic appeal among rival political leaders, with Anwar appearing to maintain relatively balanced support across demographic groups.

The Director of the Malaysian Political Studies Institute (MAPAN) told BH that the survey also highlights strong public endorsement for institutional reform measures.

A total of 73 per cent of respondents supported limiting the prime minister’s tenure to a maximum of two terms or 10 years, while 84 per cent backed the separation of the roles of Attorney General and Public Prosecutor.

Support for these reforms was broadly consistent across ethnic groups, suggesting that institutional reform has become a mainstream national issue rather than one confined to specific constituencies.

According to the survey, overall satisfaction with the federal government stands at 50 per cent. Analysts note that this level of approval comes amid ongoing cost-of-living pressures and global economic uncertainty.

Younger respondents also recorded relatively strong approval levels, with 64 per cent of those aged 21 to 30 expressing satisfaction with government performance, indicating continued receptiveness among youth voters to narratives centred on reform and administrative stability.

The report further situates Malaysia’s political sentiment within a broader performance context, noting improvements in international rankings. Malaysia rose to 15th place in the IMD World Competitiveness Ranking 2026, up from 23rd the previous year, with gains particularly noted in government efficiency indicators.

Malaysia also ranked 12th in the Global Peace Index 2026, reflecting continued perceptions of political stability and public security, factors which are closely linked to investor confidence and economic performance.

“Taken together, the survey findings and international indicators suggest that the government retains a degree of political and institutional stability ahead of upcoming state elections, including in Johor and Negeri Sembilan, where national sentiment is expected to play a significant role,” Mashitah said.

“The study also indicates that while Anwar maintains the strongest overall approval rating among major political figures, the broader political landscape remains fragmented, with competing leaders showing uneven support across ethnic and demographic lines,” she added. - June 27, 2026