Vodus study puts Anwar ahead of PM hopefuls with highest acceptance and first-choice support

KUALA LUMPUR, September 17 — According to a recent national study by Vodus Research, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has emerged as the top candidate for the prime ministership, garnering the highest overall acceptance, first-choice support, and net acceptance among five leading prospective candidates. 46% of respondents familiar with the candidates said they would accept Anwar as prime minister, while 34% named him their first choice, resulting in a net acceptance score of +19 percentage points, the highest among the candidates surveyed.

Anwar also topped the list of most widely recognized figures, with 93% familiarity among respondents. His support was particularly strong in East Malaysia, where 41% of respondents selected him as their top choice, compared to 28% in Peninsular Malaysia. Vodus Research founder Kelvin Goh explained that public assessments of potential national leaders encompass more than just popularity, with familiarity, favorability, acceptability, and first-choice support representing distinct measures.

Anwar's stronger support in East Malaysia may be attributed to his administration's focus on Sabah and Sarawak, including progress on MA63-related matters, Sabah's revenue entitlements, and Sarawak's greater control over its resources. Khairy Jamaluddin recorded 32% acceptance and a net acceptance score of +15 points, while Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi secured 17% acceptance and a +6 score.

Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar had 13% acceptance, and Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli had 17% acceptance with a net score of -3 points. The study also revealed that Anwar's first-choice support was more than twice that of Khairy, who received 14%, while Onn Hafiz and Rafizi each garnered 8% and Samsuri 6%, respectively.

In terms of personal favorability, Khairy topped the list with a +51 net favorability score, followed by Samsuri at +44, Onn Hafiz at +43, Anwar at +39, and Rafizi at +32. Respondents most commonly cited Anwar's ability to spur economic growth, create opportunities, and his experience in leading Malaysia, handling foreign affairs, attracting foreign investment, and governance as reasons for their favorable views.

The study encompassed 1,482 Malaysian adults aged 18 and above nationwide, with data collection taking place from August 18 to September 1. The findings represent a snapshot of public views during the fieldwork period and do not constitute an electoral forecast or endorsement of any candidate or political party.