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Merdeka Center: Almost half of Sarawakians polled dissatisfied with state opposition
19-April-2016, Malay Mail Online

Merdeka Center said that one-third of those polled could not provide an assessment or comments on the state PKR and DAP chiefs, Baru Bian (pic) and Chong Chieng Jen as they did not know the leaders. ― Picture by Sulok Tawie

KUALA LUMPUR, April 19 ― Sarawak voters were split in their assessment of the state opposition’s current performance and presence, according to survey released today by Merdeka Center.

The survey, which was conducted from January 20 to January 26 this year found that 47 per cent of out 815 respondents were unsatisfied with the Sarawak opposition’s performance.

“The survey also found polarized views among voters on opposition in Sarawak... close to half, 47 per cent  of the respondents reporting being dissatisfied with the Sarawak opposition,” Merdeka Center said in a statement accompanying the survey.

Merdeka Center also said that one-third of those polled could not provide an assessment or comments on the state PKR and DAP chiefs, Baru Bian and Chong Chieng Jen as they did not know the leaders.

“When asked about Sarawak opposition leaders, more than one-third of the respondents could not provide assessments on state PKR and DAP chiefs, Baru Bian or Chong Chieng Jen, respectively,” the statement added.

Merdeka Center found 42 per cent those surveyed were unable to provide responses on PKR’s Baru while more than half of Chinese respondents did not know him.

DAP’s Chong fared slightly better, with 37 per cent of voters surveyed saying they did not know him. Close to one-half of these respondents were Bumiputera voters.

Despite this, however, the majority of respondents agreed that the opposition should have a stronger voice in the Sarawak state assembly.

According to findings, 56 per cent of those polled voted in favour of this while 32 per cent disagreed and the remaining 13 per cent were either unsure or refused to provide answers.

“The survey does show a strong appreciation among Sarawak voters for the Opposition to play a check and balance role in the governance of the state,” Merdeka Center said in its statement.

In the same survey, the independent pollster also found that a whopping 81 per cent of Sarawakians surveyed have given the thumbs up for Tan Sri Adenan Satem as their chief minister ahead of the state election in May 7.

Nominations for Sarawak’s 11th state elections has been set for April 25 while polling will take place on May 7.