Release to Media Peninsula Malaysia Voter Opinion Poll Q3/2008 11 – 22 September 2008
Q3/2008 Peninsula Malaysia Voter Opinion Poll
11 – 22 September 2008
1 Release to Media Peninsula Malaysia Voter Opinion Poll Q3/2008 11 – 22 September 2008 Methodology
• 1002 randomly selected registered voters aged 21+ were interviewed via telephone for the survey
• Respondents were selected via random stratified sampling method along the lines of state of residence, ethnicity, gender and age
• Survey was carried out between 11th to 22nd September 2008
• Survey margin of error estimated at ±3.10%
• Important Events: Survey was concluded during “impending” September 16th crossover
2 Release to Media Peninsula Malaysia Voter Opinion Poll Q3/2008 11 – 22 September 2008 Respondent Profile
Ethnicity Gender Male Female 60% 55%
40% 36%
50% 50% 20% 9%
0% Malay Chinese Indian Age 21-31 32-43 44-55 56-63 Above 63 Setting Urban Rural 10% 19%
16%
48% 51%
26%
29% 3 Release to Media Peninsula Malaysia Voter Opinion Poll Q3/2008 11 – 22 September 2008 Respondent Profile
Occupation Region 40% Northern Central Southern Eastern 19% 19%
30% 25% 22% 20% 14% 12% 12% 10% 8% 4% 2% 24% 0% Employed - Employed - Own Business Self employed Unemployed Student Homemaker Retired Private Govt 38%
Total of household income Level of education No formal schooling Primary school < RM 1500 per month RM 1501 - RM 3000 per month Secondary school/ LCE/ SRP/ PMR MCE/ SPM RM 3001 - RM 5000 per month > RM 1500 per month HSC/ STPM College (diploma) Don't know 13% University (degree & above) 11% 2% 19% 35% 10% 12%
5%
18% 14%
4 35% 26% Release to Media Peninsula Malaysia Voter Opinion Poll Q3/2008 11 – 22 September 2008
Top issues
5 Release to Media Peninsula Malaysia Voter Opinion Poll Q3/2008 11 – 22 September 2008
What in your view, is the most important problem affecting Malaysia today?
Price hike/ inflation/ rising cost of living 35% Fuel hike 8% Unemployment 1% 50% concerned over Unfavourable economic condition in general 6% economic issues Crime and public safety in general 4% Social problems among youth 3% Racial inequality 3% Lack of unity among Malaysians 1% Worse ethnic relations 2% Lack of job/ business opportunities for own race 1% Lack of education opportunities for own race/ quota system 1% Corruption in general 1% Corruption among government officials 1% Corruption among politicians 1% Quality of nalt leadership 1% Political instability in general 18%
Controversy of racist statements by Ahmad Ismail 2% Aggregated 21% concern September 16 1% over political issues Others 4% None 2% 6 Don't know 3% Release to Media Peninsula Malaysia Voter Opinion Poll Q3/2008 11 – 22 September 2008
What in your view, is the most important problem affecting Malaysia today?
Economic issues Crime & public safety Social problems Corruption & power abuse Racial issues Political issues 60% 55% 59% 50% 48% 50% 45%
40% 40% 36% 37% 34%
30% 27% 25% 25% 25% 23% 21% 20% 13% 10% 10% 3% 1% 0% Oct 06 Nov 06 Apr 07 Jun 07 Sept 07 Dec 07 9-19 Feb 23-27 5-7 Mar 14-21 30 Apr - 5 4-14 Jul 15 -23 11 - 22 08 Feb 08 08 Mar 08 May 08 08 Aug 08 Sept 08
7 Release to Media Peninsula Malaysia Voter Opinion Poll Q3/2008 11 – 22 September 2008
How satisfied or dissatisfied are you with the federal government's performance on that issue?
Very satisfied Somewhat satisfied Somewhat dissatisfied Very dissatisfied Don't know No response
Price hike/ inflation/ rising 1% 1% cost of living 17% 39% 40%
Political instability in general 2% 20% 40% 36% 2%
Fuel hike 2% 26% 37% 32% 2%
Unfavourable economic 2% 3% condition in general 17% 36% 41%
Crime and public safety in 2% general 29% 43% 26% 8 Release to Media Peninsula Malaysia Voter Opinion Poll Q3/2008 11 – 22 September 2008
Are you aware of the 2009 Budget tabled by the Prime Minister several weeks ago?
Aware Unaware/ Don't know
21%
79%
9 Release to Media Peninsula Malaysia Voter Opinion Poll Q3/2008 11 – 22 September 2008
How strongly do you feel that the 2009 Budget will benefit you and your family?
Strongly beneficial Somewhat beneficial Somewhat unbeneficial Not beneficial at all Don't know 3% 4%
28% 42%
23%
10 Release to Media Peninsula Malaysia Voter Opinion Poll Q3/2008 11 – 22 September 2008
Top issues
11 Release to Media Peninsula Malaysia Voter Opinion Poll Q3/2008 11 – 22 September 2008
Now, I am going to read two statements to you. After you hear each one, please tell me which one is closer to your opinion. If Pakatan Rakyat, which consists of PKR, DAP and PAS, attempt to form federal government is successful…
Strongly agree Somewhat agree Strongly agree Somewhat agree
22%
16%
32%
17%
The Malay will lose political power The Malay political power remains & only UMNO loses power 12 Release to Media Peninsula Malaysia Voter Opinion Poll Q3/2008 11 – 22 September 2008 Approval Rating of the PM How satisfied or dissatisfied are you with Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's performance as Prime Minister? Very satisfied Somewhat satisfied Somewhat dissatisfied Very dissatisfied Don't know No response 1% 3% 16% 11%
32%
37%
13 Release to Media Peninsula Malaysia Voter Opinion Poll Q3/2008 11 – 22 September 2008 Approval Rating of the PM How satisfied or dissatisfied are you with Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's performance as Prime Minister?
Peninsula M'sia Malay Chinese Indian
100%
84% 90% 80% 78% 76% 76% 79% 80% 71% 67% 70% 71% 61% 62% 58% 59% 57% 57% 60% 54% 51% 51% 58% 48% 49% 47% 45% 53% 50% 42% 52% 42% 43% 40% 47% 36% 40% 38% 39% 30% 38% 29% 30% 32% 33% 30%
27% 20% Oct 07 Dec 07 9-19 Feb 08 23-27 Feb 08 29 Feb - 4 Mar 14-21 Mar 08 * 30 Apr - 5 May 4-14 Jul 08 15 - 23 Aug 08 11 - 22 Sept 08 08 08
Note: “Very satisfied” and “Somewhat satisfied” aggregated 14 Release to Media Peninsula Malaysia Voter Opinion Poll Q3/2008 11 – 22 September 2008 Approval Rating of the DPM In your view, how strongly do you agree or disagree that Najib Tun Razak would make a good prime minister? Strongly agree Somewhat agree Somewhat disagree Strongly disagree Don't know No response 1%
16% 13%
24% 26%
20%
15 Release to Media Peninsula Malaysia Voter Opinion Poll Q3/2008 11 – 22 September 2008 Approval Rating of the DPM In your view, how strongly do you agree or disagree that Najib Tun Razak would make a good prime minister? Peninsula Msia Malay Chinese Indian
80% 71%
70% 66% 65% 60% 60% 55% 52% 47% 48% 50% 45% 46% 51% 40%
40% 34% 34% 31% 30% 25% 19% 28% 29% 20% 16% 21% 14% 10% 10% 15%
0% Oct 06 Apr 07 23-27 Feb 08 14-21 Mar 08 4-14 Jul 08 11 - 22 Sept 08
Note: “Strongly agree” and “Somewhat agree” aggregated 16 Release to Media Peninsula Malaysia Voter Opinion Poll Q3/2008 11 – 22 September 2008 Comparison Between Najib Tun Razak and Anwar Ibrahim, who do you think makes a better prime minister? Najib Tun Razak Anwar Ibrahim None Don't know No response 1%
14% 34% 11%
40%
17 Release to Media Peninsula Malaysia Voter Opinion Poll Q3/2008 11 – 22 September 2008 Racial Remarks Controversy Ahmad Ismail, UMNO division chief for Bukit Bendera, Penang had a made a statement in the recent Permatang Pauh by-election that Chinese were "immigrants" and did not deserve equal treatment in this country. Do you think the comments by Ahmad Ismail were appropriate or not appropriate? Very appropriate Somewhat appropriate Somewhat inappropriate Very inappropriate Don't know1% No response
5% 12%
13%
13% 56%
18 Release to Media Peninsula Malaysia Voter Opinion Poll Q3/2008 11 – 22 September 2008 Racial Remarks Controversy Ahmad Ismail, UMNO division chief for Bukit Bendera, Penang had a made a statement in the recent Permatang Pauh by-election that Chinese were "immigrants" and did not deserve equal treatment in this country. Do you think the comments by Ahmad Ismail were appropriate or not appropriate? Very appropriate Somewhat appropriate Somewhat inappropriate Very inappropriate Don't know No response 100% 5% 6% 6%
80% 43% 55% 60% 79% 97%
40% 15% 13% 19% 20% 13% 17% 11% 12% 1% 0% 3% 3%
Total Malay Chinese Indian 19 Release to Media Peninsula Malaysia Voter Opinion Poll Q3/2008 11 – 22 September 2008 Racial Remarks Controversy
Now, I am going to read two statements to you. After you hear each one, please tell me which one is closer to your opinion. Do you think that statements like those made by Ahmad Ismail are … Malay exclusive question Strongly agree Somewhat agree Strongly agree Somewhat agree
55% 41%
19% 15%
26% 26%
Borne out of concern for the Malay community Borne out of his own political interest
20 Release to Media Peninsula Malaysia Voter Opinion Poll Q3/2008 11 – 22 September 2008
Perceptions of Anwar Ibrahim
21 Release to Media Peninsula Malaysia Voter Opinion Poll Q3/2008 11 – 22 September 2008 Perceptions towards Anwar Do you believe or do not believe in the allegations of sexual misconduct against Anwar Ibrahim? Strongly believe Somewhat believe Somewhat disbelieve Strongly disbelieve Don't know1% No response
6% 17% 9%
23%
44%
22 Release to Media Peninsula Malaysia Voter Opinion Poll Q3/2008 11 – 22 September 2008
How strongly do you agree or disagree that, Anwar is an agent for Americans/ Jews? Strongly agree Somewhat agree Somewhat disagree Strongly disagree Don't know/ Unable to access No response 100% 3% 8% 11% 23% 27% 80% 38%
60% 38% 38% 72% 40% 26% 10% 12% 20% 16% 15% 13% 10% 13% 8% 12% 0% 2% 4% Total Malay Chinese Indian 23 Release to Media Peninsula Malaysia Voter Opinion Poll Q3/2008 11 – 22 September 2008
How strongly do you agree or disagree that, Anwar is a sexual criminal? Strongly agree Somewhat agree Somewhat disagree Strongly disagree Don't know/ Unable to access No response 100% 1% 3% 13% 29% 26% 80% 33%
60%
44% 39% 45% 76% 40%
20% 10% 12% 18% 8% 10% 7% 5% 10% 0% 5% 3% 1% Total Malay Chinese Indian 24 Release to Media Peninsula Malaysia Voter Opinion Poll Q3/2008 11 – 22 September 2008
How strongly do you agree or disagree that, Anwar is a competent manager of the economy? Strongly agree Somewhat agree Somewhat disagree Strongly disagree Don't know/ Unable to access No response 100% 8% 14% 12% 5% 19% 2% 80% 21% 26% 16% 23%
60% 14% 16% 14%
40% 30% 28% 35% 62%
20% 21% 18% 14% 0% Total Malay Chinese Indian 25 Release to Media Peninsula Malaysia Voter Opinion Poll Q3/2008 11 – 22 September 2008
How strongly do you agree or disagree that, Anwar is a strong and visionary leader?
Strongly agree Somewhat agree Somewhat disagree Strongly disagree Don't know/ Unable to access No response 100% 11% 8% 6% 18% 1%3% 80% 24% 32% 16% 31%
60% 13% 13% 17%
40% 30% 29% 32% 59% 20% 21% 18% 15% 0% Total Malay Chinese Indian 26 Release to Media Peninsula Malaysia Voter Opinion Poll Q3/2008 11 – 22 September 2008
MCA Party Elections
27 Release to Media Peninsula Malaysia Voter Opinion Poll Q3/2008 11 – 22 September 2008 MCA Party Election Are you aware of party elections that are to be held by MCA in October?
Aware Unaware/ Don't know
48% 52%
28 Release to Media Peninsula Malaysia Voter Opinion Poll Q3/2008 11 – 22 September 2008 MCA Party Election Are you aware of party elections that are to be held by MCA in October?
Aware Unaware/ Don't know No response
100%
30% 80% 44% 51% 59% 60%
40% 70% 55% 48% 20% 41%
0% Total Malay Chinese Indian
29 Release to Media Peninsula Malaysia Voter Opinion Poll Q3/2008 11 – 22 September 2008 MCA Party Election How strongly do you agree or disagree that is it alright for a politician who was tainted with sexual scandal to hold senior post in a political party and government?
Strongly agree Somewhat agree Somewhat disagree Strongly disagree Don't know
5% 6% 13%
20% 56%
30 Release to Media Peninsula Malaysia Voter Opinion Poll Q3/2008 11 – 22 September 2008 MCA Party Election How strongly do you agree or disagree that is it alright for a politician who was tainted with sexual scandal to hold senior post in a political party and government?
Strongly agree Somewhat agree Somewhat disagree Strongly disagree Don't know No response 100% 3% 5% 7% 11%
80% 36% 22% 57% 60% 74% 18% 40% 57% 20% 26% 20% 14% 13% 6% 13% 10% 0% 6% 2% Total Malay Chinese Indian 31 Release to Media Peninsula Malaysia Voter Opinion Poll Q3/2008 11 – 22 September 2008 MCA Party Election How strongly do you agree or disagree that an apology from a politician tainted with sexual scandal is enough grounds for him/ her to be accepted as a leader again? Strongly agree Somewhat agree Somewhat disagree Strongly disagree Don't know
6% 8%
22%
42%
22%
32 Release to Media Peninsula Malaysia Voter Opinion Poll Q3/2008 11 – 22 September 2008 MCA Party Election How strongly do you agree or disagree that an apology from a politician tainted with sexual scandal is enough grounds for him/ her to be accepted as a leader again? Strongly agree Somewhat agree Somewhat disagree Strongly disagree Don't know No response 100% 4% 6% 7% 11%
80% 28% 25% 41% 51% 60% 16%
40% 22% 52% 21% 32%
20% 22% 19% 16% 8% 11% 0% 5% 1% Total Malay Chinese Indian 33 Release to Media Peninsula Malaysia Voter Opinion Poll Q3/2008 11 – 22 September 2008 MCA Party Election How strongly do you agree or disagree that someone who retired from active politics 4 years ago will be able to meet the MCA's challenges in Malaysia's new political landscape? Strongly agree Somewhat agree Somewhat disagree Strongly disagree Don't know No response 2% 8% 14%
28% 24%
24%
34 Release to Media Peninsula Malaysia Voter Opinion Poll Q3/2008 11 – 22 September 2008 MCA Party Election How strongly do you agree or disagree that someone who retired from active politics 4 years ago will be able to meet the MCA's challenges in Malaysia's new political landscape? Strongly agree Somewhat agree Somewhat disagree Strongly disagree Don't know No response 100% 14% 12% 12% 18% 80% 12% 24% 30% 17% 60% 15% 24% 22% 40% 64% 34% 20% 28% 27%
8% 7% 13% 11% 0% Total Malay Chinese Indian 35 Release to Media Peninsula Malaysia Voter Opinion Poll Q3/2008 11 – 22 September 2008 MCA Party Election What are the two most important qualities leaders of BN component parties other than UMNO should have?
Outspoken Courage to say “no” to UMNO Walking the talk Clean, free from corruption Efficient Others None Don't know No response
34% 33%
28% 27% 24%
14% 11%
7% 4% 4% 4% 11% 3% 1% 1% 1% 1%
1st quality 2nd quality
36 Release to Media Peninsula Malaysia Voter Opinion Poll Q3/2008 11 – 22 September 2008 MCA Party Election What are the most important qualitiy leaders of BN component parties other than UMNO should have? Outspoken Courage to say “no” to UMNO Walking the talk Clean, free from corruption Efficient Others None Don't know No response
Chinese 33% 12% 26% 19% 3% 5%
Indian 43% 19% 37% 1%
Malay 23% 9% 26% 30% 6% 4%
37 Release to Media Peninsula Malaysia Voter Opinion Poll Q3/2008 MCA Party Election 11 – 22 September 2008 Chinese exclusive question
What is your impression of the following political personalities?
Very positive Somewhat positive Somewhat negative Very negative Don’t know the personality Unable to assess No response 1% 2% 2% 1% 1% 100% 8% 8% 14% 12% 11% 4% 8% 8% 80% 13% 1% 14% 16% 6% 5% 3% 4% 8% 60% 11% 27% 10% 46%
40% 51% 49% 49% 38% 20% 30% 16% 8% 8% 7% 0% Chua Jui Meng Chua Soi Lek Dr. Fong Chan Onn Ong Tee Keat Dr. Ng Yen Yen
38 Release to Media Peninsula Malaysia Voter Opinion Poll Q3/2008 MCA Party Election 11 – 22 September 2008 Chinese exclusive question
Who do you think is most qualified to lead MCA?
Chua Jui Meng 6%
Chua Soi Lek 9%
Dr. Fong Chan Onn 5%
Ong Tee Keat 40%
Dr. Ng Yen Yen 12%
Others 2%
None 4%
Don't know 20%
No response 2%
39 Release to Media Peninsula Malaysia Voter Opinion Poll Q3/2008 11 – 22 September 2008
MCA Party Elections
40 Release to Media Peninsula Malaysia Voter Opinion Poll Q3/2008 11 – 22 September 2008
The American presidential election is coming soon. If given the chance, who would you vote for as president of the USA?
John McCain Barack Obama Don't know/ Aware of US presidential election but don’t know who to vote for No response
7% 6%
44% 43%
41