Malaysians still want Pak Lah as PM

But just barely – approval rating: Malays 63%, Chinese 31%, Indians 30%; overall slightly above 50%

Malaysianinsider
KUALA LUMPUR, April 9 — Most Malaysians still want Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to continue as Prime Minister. But the bad news is that it is not an overwhelming “Yes!” and the public has a laundry list of demands including resolving the burden brought about by rising prices and inflation.

The truth of the matter is that he and his administration are on a tight leash as most Malaysians are not happy with the way they have handled certain issues like rising prices, crime and public safety, ethnic inequality and corruption.

These were the findings of a survey done after the 12th General Elections on March 8. More than 1,000 registered voters were polled between March 14 and 21. It is interesting to note that following Barisan Nasional’s dismal outing at the polls, the people still want Pak Lah to lead the country. But just barely.

With just slightly over 50% approval rating, it is not surprising that Pak Lah is getting the highest support from the Malays (63%), followed by the Chinese (31%) and Indians (30%).

This is because he is no longer seen as the Prime Minister of all Malaysians. Most non-Malays felt that he had not taken the necessary steps to deal with issues like ethnic inequality and religious rights going into the elections.

So now it is up to Pak Lah to win back the confidence of all Malaysians.