KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 16 — A survey on Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob's administration and policies has shown that while 52.8 per cent of respondents felt that he should be given more time to lead the government, only 45.6 per cent said he should return as prime minister.
The survey by independent pollster Ilham Centre however found that respondents were positively receptive of policies implemented during Ismail Sabri's administration, with eight in 10 feeling he made the right decision to reopen the economic sectors in April this year.
"It was obviously shown that all pro-people announcements and policies implemented received a high approval, contributing towards his popularity among most in the public," it said in the report released today.
"With a score of 52.8 per cent believing he should have been given more time to lead the country with a full mandate, this should be an important endorsement for him."
In comparison, a survey by Merdeka Center released last week showed Ismail Sabri's approval rating falling from 42 per cent to 40 per cent. In comparison, his highest approval rating was 50 per cent when he came into power.
Of the five political leaders on the survey, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin had the highest approval rating at 46 per cent, followed by Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan at 32 per cent.
Ilham Centre's respondents were also mostly receptive to the financial aid given by his administration to help with the country's recovery, including the Keluarga Malaysia Aid.
Opinions were more divided when it comes to the National Recovery Council that was led by Ismail Sabri's predecessor Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, with nearly a third saying it was a waste of public funds, another third disagreeing, and another third undecided.
The survey also found that 56.8 per cent of respondents agreed with his decision to ask for the dissolution of the Parliament and for the 15th general election to be held at the end of this year.
Respondents were also mostly favourable towards the announcements made in Budget 2023 — with approval north of 80 per cent — despite it being tabled just before the Parliament was dissolved and therefore must be retabled if the new government wishes to keep the promises in it.
"To increase support from the people, this study demands the prime minister to state clearly the direction to repair the country's economy. This can be done with the favourable acceptance of Budget 2023 to become the best guide to drive the country's economy," it said.
The survey was done between October 20 and November 6 this year, with face-to-face interviews involving 1,211 respondents.
