AS Malaysian citizens take to the polls tomorrow, latest polling from YouGov indicates that the elected may have their work cut out for them when it comes to instilling voter confidence.
A majority three in four said they are “worried” about the nation’s future (75%), compared to just one in six who are “confident” (17%).
Looking across age groups, those aged 35-49 were most likely to have a positive outlook, although this figure is still fewer than one in five (19%). Older voters above the age of 50 were most likely to be concerned for the future (78%).
Voters in rural electorates were also more likely to be optimistic, with one in five expressing confidence (20%). Conversely, those in urban areas appeared to be more pessimistic, with close to eight in ten conveying worry (79%).
When asked specifically about the economy, the greatest proportion of voters expected it to worsen over the next 12 months (36%). This however was comparable to those who expect it to remain about the same (34%), while fewer anticipate an improvement (30%).
Generational divides were slightly more apparent here, with those aged 35-49 (33%) the most assured, and those above the age of 50 the least (24%).
The latter were also most likely to bear a negative outlook, with over two in five expecting the economy to worsen (42%). Young voters aged 18-24 were in almost equal parts optimistic (31%) and pessimistic (32%).
As with voter confidence in the nation’s future, citizens in rural areas were more likely to express optimism, with three in eight expecting the economy to get better (36%). Just three in ten anticipated it worsening (29%). – Nov 18, 2022
