SHAH ALAM – A survey by an independent organization found strong support from among the people of Selangor towards the state’s Pakatan Rakyat Government. The survey conducted by Merdeka Centre for Opinion Research also revealed high approval ratings for Selangor Menteri Besar, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim.

The survey – carried out between June 5 and June 15, 2009 – found that 60% of Selangor citizens feel that the state is heading in the right direction. A total of 63% are satisfied with performance of the Menteri Besar while 19% expressed dissatisfaction.

Some 64% of Selangor citizens are satisfied with the Selangor Pakatan Rakyat Government’s performance after winning the March 2008 General Elections, while 22 percent are dissatisfied. Broken down into ethnic groups, the survey found 59% of Malays, 69% of the Chinese and 69% 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 including Tabung Warisan Anak Selangor, Skim Mesra Usia Emas, free water of 20metre cube 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% said that they are satisfied – out of which 13% were very confident while 45% somewhat confident.

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 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.

The state is thankful for the confidence and trust expressed by the people of Selangor 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.

PRESS SECRETARIAT
OFFICE OF DATO’ MENTERI BESAR