Pew survey: Most Malaysians are satisfied

JOHOR BARU: In a survey conducted in March for a forthcoming US-based
Pew Research Center report, 82 per cent of Malaysians are satisfied
with the way things are going in the country.

The percentage was up from 76 per cent in 2007. Some 16 per cent said they were dissatisfied.

"In
2007 the last time we asked this in Malaysia, 76 per cent were
satisfied and 21 per cent dissatisfied, according to our 40-country
survey," said Bruce Stokes, director of global economic attitudes at
the Pew Research Center.

In terms of the economic situation of
country, 85 per cent described Malaysia's economic situation good, up
from 76 per cent in 2007.

On priority for the government, 38 per
cent hoped the government would look into rising prices, 14 per cent
said lack of employment opportunities, gap between rich and poor (six
per cent), public debt 13 per cent and all equally 28 per cent.

"Only
the Chinese (China) are more pleased than the Malaysians with the
direction of their country and the state of their economy in the
40-country survey," added Stokes.

Pew Research Center is a
nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues,
attitudes and trends shaping America and the world.

It conducts
public opinion polling, demographic research, media content analysis
and other empirical social science research and does not take policy
positions.-- Bernama