(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Discontent with Abdullah Ahmad Badawi is rapidly growing in Malaysia, according to a poll by the Merdeka Center for Opinion Research. 54 per cent of respondents disapprove of Badawi’s performance, up 23 points since March.

The ruling United Malays National Organization (UMNO)—the biggest party in a coalition of 12 political factions known as the National Front (BN)—has formed the government after every election since the Asian country attained its independence from Britain in 1957.

Abdullah took over as prime minister in October 2003, after the retirement of Mahathir Mohamad, who served for more than 22 years. In the March 2004 election, the National Front secured 198 of the 219 seats in the House of Representatives. Abdullah was sworn in as head of government with the biggest majority in three decades.

In the March 2008 ballot, the National Front won 140 seats in the legislature. The coalition’s share of the vote dropped drastically, from 64.4 per cent in 2004, to 50.27 per cent in 2008. According to Human Rights Watch, the most recent election was "grossly unfair" and marred by irregularities.

On Aug. 22, Abdullah announced a reduction in fuel prices of 5.6 per cent per litre in order to alleviate the country’s growing inflation. The prime minister later denied allegations that the cut seeks to influence an upcoming local election, saying, "It has nothing to do with it. It is for all the people of Malaysia not just for Permatang Pauh. Each time I meet reporters I keep getting asked when the prices will be reduced, now I have done it. And now still more questions. The reduction in petrol prices is the best deal."

Polling Data

Do you approve or disapprove of the way Abdullah Ahmad Badawi is performing his job as prime minister?

Source: Merdeka Center for Opinion Research
Methodology: Telephone Interviews with 1,030 Malaysian voters, conducted Jul. 4 to Jul. 14, 2008. Margin of error is 3.1 per cent.

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