KOTA KINABALU: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is currently the most favored political figure in Malaysia, with 52 per cent of respondents approving his leadership in the latest Merdeka Centre public opinion poll.
As reported by The Vibes, he is closely trailed by Khairy Jamaluddin, the re-emerging Umno leader, who secured 50 per cent approval.
Former Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin received support from 36 per cent of respondents.
Former economy minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli earned a 32 per cent approval rating, while Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar, chairman of Perikatan Nasional and Terengganu’s Menteri Besar, recorded 28 per cent.
Pas president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang was backed by 25 per cent.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had the lowest approval at 24 per cent, with 61 per cent of those surveyed dissatisfied with his performance.
The survey found that 42 per cent of respondents believe the nation is on the right track—a figure consistent with readings from December 2025 and February 2026—and an improvement from mid-2025, when less than 40 per cent held this view.
Conversely, half of all respondents—50 per cent—feel the country is moving in the wrong direction.
Of these, 53 per cent pointed to economic concerns, including economic conditions, living costs, and fuel prices, as the main reasons.
Additionally, 73 per cent of respondents identified the economy as the most pressing issue facing Malaysians today.
On government performance, 46 per cent expressed satisfaction with how the economy is being managed, while 51 per cent were dissatisfied.
Merdeka Centre noted that dissatisfaction on this front has decreased notably compared to the broader trend seen throughout 2025. – June 25, 2026
