Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s approval rating improved to 55% in May 2025, marking a recovery in public confidence after several months of declining sentiment, according to the latest National Public Opinion Survey by Merdeka Center for Opinion Research.
The survey, conducted between 12 and 23 May 2025, found that 55% of Malaysians expressed satisfaction with Anwar’s performance as the country’s 10th Prime Minister, while 36% indicated dissatisfaction. Another 9% were unsure or declined to respond.
The latest approval rating represents an improvement from 53% recorded in March 2025 and 53% in January 2025, although it remains below the 61% level recorded in March 2023 following the formation of the unity government.
Merdeka Center said public perception towards the country’s direction showed gradual improvement after a prolonged period of negative sentiment. However, concerns over economic conditions continued to dominate public concerns.
The survey found that 45% of respondents believed the country was heading in the right direction, while 53% felt Malaysia was moving in the wrong direction.
Among those who expressed optimism, improving economic conditions, good administration, strong leadership and political stability were among the reasons cited. Meanwhile, those with negative views pointed mainly to economic concerns, poor administration, political instability and weak leadership.
The cost of living remained the biggest issue facing Malaysians, with 73% of respondents identifying economic concerns as the country’s top problem. Inflation, job opportunities, corruption and economic growth were among the key issues highlighted by voters.
Merdeka Center noted that while economic concerns remained the dominant issue, mentions of economic pressures had declined compared with previous surveys. Concerns over political instability had also eased, although there was a slight increase in identity-related issues such as protection of Malay rights and fair treatment among races.
The survey also showed that satisfaction towards the Federal Government’s overall performance stood at 48%, while dissatisfaction was recorded at 51%.
The findings suggest that while public approval towards the Prime Minister has improved, broader sentiment towards government performance remains closely linked to economic management and household cost pressures.
The survey involved 1,208 Malaysians aged 18 and above nationwide, including respondents from all states across Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak. Respondents were selected using random stratified sampling based on ethnicity, gender, age and state, with an estimated margin of error of ±2.82%.
Merdeka Center said the findings reflected a public mood that is gradually stabilising, but economic challenges remain the central factor shaping Malaysians’ views of the government and national direction.
