Malaysian Mirror | SHAH ALAM, 20-July-2009 – The majority of the people of Selangor appears to be happy with the Pakatan Rakyat state government, according to a survey.
The poll, conducted by the Merdeka Centre for Opinion Research, also revealed high approval ratings for Selangor Menteri Besar, Abdul Khalid Ibrahim.
It was carried out between June 5 and June 15, 2009 and the results show that 60 per cent of Selangor citizens feel that the state is heading in the right direction.
A total of 63 per cent are satisfied with performance of the menteri besar while 19 per cent expressed dissatisfaction.
Some 64 per cent of Selangor citizens are satisfied with the Selangor Pakatan Rakyat government’s performance after winning the March 2008 General Elections, while 22 per cent are dissatisfied.
Efficient administration
Broken down into ethnic groups, the survey found 59 per cent of Malays, 69 per cent of the Chinese and 69 per cent of Indians expressing satisfaction.
Based on the feedback, reasons leading to the people’s good ratings include the state’s welfare programmes, transparent and efficient administration and reduction of corruption.
Within 100 days of its administration, the state introduced its Merakyatkan Ekonomi Selangor agenda which includes several welfare programmes.
They include Tabung Warisan Anak Selangor, Skim Mesra Usia Emas, free water of 20 cubic metres for all residents, an education fund for children of plantation workers and Hadiah Anak Masuk Universiti.
As for the state government’s ability in the management and administration of the state’s economy, 58 per cent said that they are satisfied – out of which 13 per cent were very confident while 45 per cent somewhat confident.
Better service delivery
The state government commissioned Merdeka Centre to conduct the survey with the objective of assessing the rakyat’s views and perceptions of its performance and gauge the effectiveness of its programmes.
The survey also identified several areas that the state will need to improve upon, including its communication outlets, creating awareness of its various programmes, reduction of bureaucratic red tape and better service delivery for the people.
Meanwhile, the Selangor state government says it is thankful for the confidence and trust expressed by the people of the state towards its performance and views the results as an encouragement for the state leadership to further improve its administration in line with its Merakyatkan Ekonomi Selangor agenda.