KUCHING: The Madani Economic Initiatives, implemented by the Unity Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, received an A grade, according to a recent survey conducted by researchers from Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) and two non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
The 34-day survey, conducted from Nov 1 to Dec 4 and titled ‘Madani Initiatives: Public Acceptance’, indicated that all questions posed received over 50 per cent support, showcasing public approval of the government’s actions.
The survey aimed to provide an objective assessment of public acceptance regarding various Islamic Economic Initiatives announced by Anwar and the Unity Government since his assumption of office as Prime Minister on Nov 24, 2022, and as Finance Minister on Dec 3, 2022.
“A total of 4,606 respondents were selected using stratified random sampling from the 21,473,409 registered voters as of October 3, 2023, covering all ethnicities, genders, and age groups across all 222 Parliamentary constituencies in 13 states and 3 Federal Territories,” stated the survey through a statement today (Dec 8).
Respondents were contacted online (via WhatsApp and Telegram applications) and/or through face-to-face interviews. They were asked about their level of acceptance of 30 Islamic Economic Initiatives announced by the Prime Minister.
The feedback from respondents indicated that the Islamic Economic Initiatives received an A grade, with a total approval of 82 per cent (2457/3000).
“Specifically, 11 Islamic Economic Initiatives received an A+ grade (90-100), 13 received an A grade (80-89), 2 received an A- grade (75-79), 1 received a C- grade (45-49), 1 received a D+ grade (40-44), 1 received a D grade (35-39), and 1 received an F grade (0-34).
“Among other questions in the survey was the level of acceptance regarding the initiative to cut 20 percent of ministers’ basic salaries.”
In terms of respondents’ acceptance of the initiative to cut 20 per cent of ministers’ basic salaries, it was found that 55 per cent strongly supported it, followed by 39 per cent in support, compared to three per cent who did not support it, one per cent strongly opposed it, and two per cent were unsure.
Overall, this initiative received 94 per cent support compared to 4 per cent opposition. For the initiative to encourage BERNAS to contribute RM60mil to poor farmers, 50 per cent of respondents strongly supported it, 46 per cent supported it, and two per cent each did not and were unsure.
Overall, this initiative received 96 per cent support compared to two per cent opposition. Regarding the level of acceptance of respondents towards the initiative to mandate high-impact public scrutiny projects to be implemented through tender, overall, this initiative received 86 per cent support compared to four per cent opposition.
The initiative to reduce the cost of the MRT3 project from RM50bil to RM45bil also received 81 per cent support compared to eight per cent opposition.
The initiative to increase special allocations to Sabah and Sarawak from RM260mil to RM300mil received 86 per cent support with five per cent opposition.
Other initiatives that received support exceeding 50 per cent included introducing the Madani medical scheme, tax cuts for those with annual incomes between RM35,000 and RM100,000, and raising taxes for those with incomes exceeding RM100,000.
Respondents were also asked about the satisfaction level of the people with Anwar managing Malaysia’s economy, and it was found that 16 per cent of respondents were very satisfied, 50 per cent were satisfied, compared to 15 per cent dissatisfied, four per cent very dissatisfied, and 15 per cent unsure.
Overall, satisfaction with the Prime Minister’s performance in managing Malaysia’s economy was at 66 per cent compared to 19 per cent dissatisfaction.
The survey also involved initiatives such as channeling cash contributions to the B40 group involving payments of RM1.67bil under the Cash Contribution Rahmah (STR) programme, providing additional contributions of RM600 to the poorest STR household, creating the Madani endowment through private commitment to provide assets worth RM1bil, and increasing financial aid to Perlis, Kelantan, Terengganu, and Kedah.
The survey also included more than 30 other questions covering various other issues, including education, subsidy provision or withdrawal, and progressive salaries.
According to UUM in the statement, the survey’s findings refute the claims by some parties that the economic policies under the Malaysia Madani concept lack a clear direction and that many people are dissatisfied with the efforts of the Unity Government in assisting those in need, combating corruption, and generating economic growth.
