Poll finds most in authority deemed ‘untrustworthy’

Those polled think that given half a chance, those in authority would not hesitate to take “advantage” of them.

KUALA LUMPUR: A poll, “Moderate Malaysia: A closer look”, conducted by the Merdeka Center from October 11 to November 2 last year, found that Malaysians generally expect more from the authorities concerned – both from the ruling Federal coalition and Pakatan — and still place their trust in them but for the sake of stability. “They think that different pressure groups may be disrupting communal harmony and that the debate on sensitive issues should be curbed.”

“This makes them subject to manipulation by the authorities concerned. Still, they think that most people in authority are not trustworthy, and given half a chance, would take advantage of them.”

There’s also the feeling that the government has become so complicated that 72 per cent of those polled think they don’t really understand what’s going on in the country. “The majority, 61 per cent, felt that they can’t participate in politics. They feel that they have no chance to influence the government.”

The unpublished take on 70 per cent of those polled from both sides of the South China Sea, according to Merdeka Center Executive Director Ibrahim Suffian, however comes with a caveat, according to the survey results. “The majority of the 1,024 Malaysians polled expect the authorities concerned to subject themselves to the rule of law.”

Overall, said the Center, while there’s a significant sector of society which is progressive in their attitudes, the majority is traditionalist, and tribal. “They majority think that those in a higher station in life know what is best for all.”

The trust in those in higher stations in life, added Ibrahim, was because they felt that their basic needs were being met. “Their focus is on education, healthcare, roads, a stable economy, and jobs for all.”

“In the past, the authorities were good at delivering the goods. However, this may no longer be the case. The majority feel that meeting basic needs was no longer enough.”

The people want their second-tier needs — greater freedom of expression and association, more enhanced basic needs, and a business environment that provides high-paying jobs, added Ibrahim. “The second tier needs are the enablers for more refined government, quality education, and getting out of the middle-income trap.”

The survey covered Malaysians aged 18 years and above, from all races, urban and rural, and was made up of three parts: trust, political values and abdication to authority.