Survey: 73% of M’sians Believe Govt Leaders are Purposefully Misleading Rakyat, 97% Fear Job Loss

US-based global public relations and marketing consultancy firm Edelman recently released the Malaysian version of the Edelman Trust Barometer 2024, which is a more localised version of the study published in January.

The research utilises survey questionnaires that are programmed, translated, localised, and completed in up to 28 countries around the world, with demographically representative samples reflective of each population.

The Edelman Trust Barometer 2024 findings about Malaysia

For the Malaysian report, the study yielded some interesting results regarding Malaysians’ trust in establishments, concerns and more.

In the overall global index, it was revealed that Malaysia is the 7th most trusting nation, going up 6 points to 68 compared to the previous year, the 2nd highest growth in trust overall.

The Trust Index 2024 gauges the average percentage trust in non-governmental organisations (NGOs), businesses, government and media.

Furthermore, in terms of trust in the government, 67% of the Malaysian respondents agreed with the sentiment, ranking 7th overall, a significant 13% rise compared to last year.

Malaysians view the government as far less competent and ethical than businesses

However, there seems to be a disparity between this metric and the other localised metrics involving Malaysians’ perception of the government.

The Malaysian version of the Edelman Trust Barometer 2024 found that Malaysians view the government as far less competent and ethical compared to business. Notably, the government scored 24 fewer points than businesses in terms of competency.

73% of Malaysians believe government leaders are purposefully trying to mislead the rakyat

Besides that, the survey noted that a majority of Malaysians do not trust establishment leaders to tell the truth.

Specifically, 75% of Malaysians believe that journalists and reporters are purposefully trying to mislead people by saying things that they know are false or gross exaggerations.

Similarly, 73% of Malaysians believe the same sentiment for government leaders and 72% for business leaders.

97% of Malaysians worry about job loss

Besides that, the survey found that Malaysians’ top concerns are slow economic growth, societal division and misinformation.

In terms of personal economic fears, a whopping 97% of Malaysians worry about job loss, while 82% worry about inflation.

Edelman noted that for this study, they surveyed over 32,000 people in 28 nations from 3 to 22 November 2023, including 1,150 respondents from Malaysia.

So, what do you guys think of the Edelman Trust Barometer 2024 findings? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!

Also read: Indonesia & Thailand Overtake Malaysia in World Competitiveness Ranking for 1st Time as We Drop to 34th