Approval rating: Dr Mahathir differs in views with Anwar
PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad disagreed with the views of PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Merdeka Centre’s survey on the people’s approval rating.
“As the government, we have to expect to be criticised and lose some popularity,” said Dr Mahathir who is also Bersatu chairman.
“However, elections are different. During elections, voters will make a proper assessment as to who is fit to govern.
“GE15 is a long way off. In the meantime, we will do a lot of things,” he said
Latest figures from a Merdeka Center survey gave Dr Mahathir a 46 percent rating and the Pakatan Harapan government 39 percent rating.
Anwar had blamed the dwindling figures being the result of government succumbing to urban elites which resulted in a disconnection with the rural Malays who form the bulk of the vote bloc.
“The urban elite sets a list of priorities which are a disconnect from the real problems of the poor, and at times, the elite seems to ignore these real problems. I’ve not heard them talking about poverty, inequality,” said Anwar.
“Human rights is an issue, judicial independence is an issue, and (this is something) which we should not delay in terms of implementation.”
“But the crux of the problem is still the economy. Economic hardship is real, we will have to deal with this,” he was reported as saying three days ago.
Dr Mahathir however brushed off Anwar’s view.
“That is his opinion. He is entitled to his opinion. I have my own opinion,” said the premier.
Bersatu supreme council member Wan Saiful Wan Jan however has backed Anwar’s stand by terming the urban elites as Bangsar bubble.
