MEDIA RELEASE

VOTERS' OPINION SURVEY Main Findings

PENINSULAR February 2009

PERCEPTIONS OF UMNO
PARTY ELECTIONS 2009

1
 National Opinion Poll: Perceptions on UMNO Party Elections 2009
4 – 16 February 2009, n = 1031

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MERDEKA CENTER 2
 National Opinion Poll: Perceptions on UMNO Party Elections 2009
4 – 16 February 2009, n = 1031

Study Method

• Survey based on interviews of 1031 respondents comprising registered voters

aged 21+ via telephone across Peninsular Malaysia

• Respondents comprised 57% Malays, 31% Chinese and 12% Indians voters

• Respondent selection based on random stratified sampling according to state,

ethnicity and gender

• Poll was carried out between 4 to 16th February 2009

• Margin of error for this survey is estimated at ±3.10% for the overall sample

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 National Opinion Poll: Perceptions on UMNO Party Elections 2009
4 – 16 February 2009, n = 1031

Respondent Profile Total [ n = 1031 ]

Ethnicity Gender Region

Malay Chinese Indian Male Female

40% 38%
31%
30%
24%
49% 19% 20%
20%
12% 51%
10%

57% 0%
Northem Central Eastem Southem

Setting Age

Urban Rural 60% 54%

42% 50%

40%
31%
30%

20% 15%

10%

0%
58% 21-30 31-45 46 Above

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 National Opinion Poll: Perceptions on UMNO Party Elections 2009
4 – 16 February 2009, n = 1031

Respondent Profile Total [ n = 1031 ]

Occupation Voting Status
Every election Every other election
60% Never voted before
50%
40% 29%
30% 20% 17% 15%
20% 9% 5%
10% 2% 2%
0%
8%
Employed – Employed – Own business – Self Unemployed, Student Homemaker Retired 4%
Private Govt operates a employed/smalllooking for work 88%
business that business or
hires other trader
people

Leval of Education Dependents

50% Yes No
50%
40%
30% 23% 29%
20% 13% 10%
10% 3%
0%
No formal

Diploma/Polytechni
education

Primary school

College/Vocational

Degree
Secondary school

cs/Teacher’s

Institutes

71%
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 National Opinion Poll: Perceptions on UMNO Party Elections 2009
4 – 16 February 2009, n = 1031

Perceptions on UMNO/BN

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 National Opinion Poll: Perceptions on UMNO Party Elections 2009
4 – 16 February 2009, n = 1031

Perception on UMNO/BN, Total [ n = 1031 ]

In the last general election in March 2008, non-Malays voters were more likely to
vote for Opposition parties. How should UMNO work with other component parties
in Barisan Nasional?
No response
Don’t know
Strengthen UMNO by giving in / compromise the demands of non-Malay component parties.
Strengthen BN by featuring non-Malay component parties.
100% 3% 2% 3% 5%
90% 17% 3%
17%
80% 24%
70%
11%
60% 44% 54%
50% 81%
40%
30% 62%
20% 37%
10% 28%
11%
0%
Total (n=1031) Malay (n=592) Chinese (n=319) Indian (n=120) 7
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 National Opinion Poll: Perceptions on UMNO Party Elections 2009
4 – 16 February 2009, n = 1031

Perceptions on BN, Total [ n = 1031 ]

How strongly are you confident or not confident in Barisan Nasional in fulfilling the
following aspects :
Very confident Somewhat confident
Somewhat not confident Not confident at all
Don’t know No response
100% 1% 3% 1% 2% 1% 1%
9% 4% 6% 4%
12%
8% 18% 13% 15% 16%
80% 9%
19% 25% 18% 27%
30% 28%
60%
28% 28%
40% 35%
29% 31% 33%

20%
35% 32%
20% 22% 19% 19%
0%
Taking care of Taking care of Bringing Protecting the Ensuring Ensuring racial
Malay rights the interest of economic position of political unity
all races development Islam stability
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 National Opinion Poll: Perceptions on UMNO Party Elections 2009
4 – 16 February 2009, n = 1031

Perceptions on UMNO, Total [ n = 1031 ]

Among the problems mentioned by people about UMNO, please choose TWO that
you feel are most serious. You may include any other problems ….

First Second
Within UMNO Problem Average
Problem Problem
Corruption 61% 9% 35%
Out of touch 13% 17% 15%
Weak leaders 6% 17% 12%
Weak manager of the economy 6% 16% 11%
Arrogance 3% 18% 11%
Racist 6% 14% 10%
Favoritism 1% 0%
All 0% 0%
None 1% 0% 0%
Don’t know 1% 1% 1%
No response 2% 7% 4%

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 National Opinion Poll: Perceptions on UMNO Party Elections 2009
4 – 16 February 2009, n = 1031

Perceptions on UMNO, Total [ n = 1031 ]

Among the following problems faced by UMNO, please choose TWO that you feel
are most serious. You may include any other problems …
0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35%

Corruption 35%

Out of touch 15%

Weak leaders 12%

Weak manager of the economy 11%

Arrogance 11%

Racist 10%

Important oneself / Favouritism 0.4%

All 0.2%

None 0.5%

Don’t know 1%

No response 4%

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 National Opinion Poll: Perceptions on UMNO Party Elections 2009
4 – 16 February 2009, n = 1031

Perception on UMNO and the People, Total [ n = 1031 ]

Now, I am going to read to you two statements. After you hear each one, please tell
me which one is closer to your opinion:

70%
60%
50%
40%
30% 59%
20%
35%
10%
0% 4% 1%
UMNO’s internal problems Although UMNO faces Don’t know No response
are jeopardising the future internal problems, UMNO
of the Malays/ people. is still able to fight for the
interest of the
Malays/people.

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 National Opinion Poll: Perceptions on UMNO Party Elections 2009
4 – 16 February 2009, n = 1031

Perceptions on Reform Measures, Total [ n = 1031 ]

How strongly do you think that establishing the Malaysian Anti-Corruption

Commission (MACC) is effective or not effective in improving the image of UMNO
and BN?
Very effective Somewhat effective
Somewhat not effective Not effective at all
Don’t know No response
100% 1% 1%
6% 5% 6% 8%
90%
18%
80% 27%
40% 34%
70%
60% 32%
50% 34%
40% 33%
30% 39%
31%
20% 24%
18%
10%
13% 12%
0% 9% 7%
1%
Total (n=1031) Malay (n=592) Chinese (n=319) Indian (n=120)
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 National Opinion Poll: Perceptions on UMNO Party Elections 2009
4 – 16 February 2009, n = 1031

Perceptions on Reform Measures, Total [ n = 1031 ]

How strongly do you think that establishing the Judiciary Appointment

Commission (JAC) is effective or not effective in improving the image of UMNO
and BN? Very effective Somewhat effective
Somewhat not effective Not effective at all
Don’t know No response
100% 1%
90% 15% 12% 16%
20%
80% 16%
70% 22% 23%
60% 32%
26%
50% 29% 33%
40%
30% 33% 32%
20% 26% 22%
10% 15%
8% 12% 7%
0% 1%
Total (n=1031) Malay (n=592) Chinese (n=319) Indian (n=120)
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 National Opinion Poll: Perceptions on UMNO Party Elections 2009
4 – 16 February 2009, n = 1031

Perceptions on UMNO, Total [ n = 1031 ]

In your view, how strongly do you think the efforts to curb money politics in UMNO
now is sufficient or insufficient?
Very sufficient Somewhat sufficient
Somewhat insufficient Not sufficient at all
Don’t know
100%
5% 6% 4% 6%
90%
80%
70% 51% 47%
52% 53%
60%
50%
40%
8%
30% 28% 23% 44%
20% 20%
10% 12% 15%
4% 13%
0% 3% 3% 1%
Total (n=1031) Malay (n=592) Chinese (n=319) Indian (n=120)
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 National Opinion Poll: Perceptions on UMNO Party Elections 2009
4 – 16 February 2009, n = 1031

Expectations on UMNO, Total [ n = 1031 ]

As a Malaysian, what is your hope for UMNO?

Hope for UMNO Total Malay Chinese Indian
Treat all races equally 19% 6% 31% 54%
Continue lead the country 11% 19% 1% 3%
Improve administration system to better way 10% 15% 5% 1%
Takes care of peoples’ welfare 8% 9% 6% 12%
Concern of country peaceful 4% 6% 2% 3%
Economic raise and stabilization 4% 3% 7% 3%
Fight for corruption 4% 4% 4% 1%
Fight for Malay rights 3% 5% 1%
Islamic governance 2% 4%
Perform well and keep the promises 2% 4% 0%
Develop the country/ establish country 2% 3% 1% 3%
Reassure UMNO glorious 2% 3%
Distrust UMNO 1% 1% 2%
Reform UMNO 1% 1% 2% 1%
Political stability 1% 1% 1% 1%
Unite Malay people 1% 2%
Pull back people confident 1% 1%
Hopeless 11% 4% 24% 12%
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 National Opinion Poll: Perceptions on UMNO Party Elections 2009
4 – 16 February 2009, n = 1031

Preferred Leadership Criteria, Total [ n = 1031 ]

In your view, what are the criteria of an UMNO leader that can fulfill your hope?

Criteria Total Malay Chinese Indian

Be fair to all 21% 6% 36% 49%
Concerned about the people 11% 13% 8% 11%
Honest and trusted 9% 15% 0% 2%
Religion knowledge 8% 14%
Responsible 5% 7% 3% 2%
Free from corruption 5% 6% 4% 2%
Strict 3% 6% 0% 1%
Kind 3% 4% 1% 6%
Educated 2% 2% 2% 3%
Transparent and sincere 2% 3% 1%
High leadership 2% 2% 1% 3%
Open minded and look forward 2% 2% 1% 3%
Do not place hopes on any UMNO leader 2% 0% 5%
Smart/ Capable 2% 2% 0% 3%
Discipline and Unselfish 1% 2% 1% 3%
Tolerant 1% 1% 1% 7%
Able to fulfill promise 1% 2% 1% 1%
Dedicated and dexterity 1% 2%
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 National Opinion Poll: Perceptions on UMNO Party Elections 2009
4 – 16 February 2009, n = 1031

Confidence in UMNO leadership, Total [ n = 1031 ]

How strongly are you confident or not confident that the following UMNO leaders
can fulfill your hopes for UMNO?
Very confident Somewhat confident
Somewhat not confident Not confident at all
Don’t know the person Unable to access
No response
100% 1% 1% 1%
13% 13% 10%

80% 12%
19%
13%
60% 18% 31%
20%

40%
24%
24%
33%
20%
19% 16%
12% 6%
0% 5%
Muhyiddin Yassin Mohd. Ali Rustam Muhammad Muhd T aib

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 National Opinion Poll: Perceptions on UMNO Party Elections 2009
4 – 16 February 2009, n = 1031

Perceptions on UMNO Party

Elections

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 National Opinion Poll: Perceptions on UMNO Party Elections 2009
4 – 16 February 2009, n = 1031

Views on UMNO Party Elections, Total [ n = 1031 ]

Of the three candidates vying for UMNO deputy presidency, who do you think is
best suited for the post?
Muhyiddin Yassin Mohd. Ali Rustam
Muhammad Muhd Taib Don’t know
No response
100% 3% 2% 4% 5%
90% 15%
80% 27% 25%
8%
70% 49%
7% 14%
60% 13%
11%
50% 13%
4%
40% 6%
30% 61%
52%
20% 37%
44%
10%
0%
Total (n=1031) Malay (n=592) Chinese (n=319) Indian (n=120)
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 National Opinion Poll: Perceptions on UMNO Party Elections 2009
4 – 16 February 2009, n = 1031

Views on UMNO Party Elections, Total [ n = 696 ]

Of the candidates vying for UMNO vice presidency, who do you think is best suited
for the post [choose 3 names]?

Candidate 1st Choice 2nd Choice 3rd Choice Average

Hishamuddin Hussein 32% 4% 1% 13%

Ahmad Zahid Hamidi 9% 13% 3% 9%
Rais Yatim 4% 5% 8% 6%
Syed Hamid Albar 2% 8% 5% 5%
Shafie Apdal 2% 5% 7% 5%
Jamaluddin Jarjis 1% 1% 6% 3%
Mohd. Khaled Nordin 2% 3% 2% 2%
Rahim Tamby Chik 1% 1% 3% 1%
Mohd Isa Samad 1% 1% 2% 1%
None of the above 9% 0% 0% 3%
Don’t know 32% 0% 0% 11%
No response 5% 58% 63% 42%
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 National Opinion Poll: Perceptions on UMNO Party Elections 2009
4 – 16 February 2009, n = 1031

Views on UMNO Party Elections, Total [ n = 1031 ]

Of the candidates vying for UMNO youth chief, who do you think is best suited to
lead UMNO Youth?
Khairy Jamaluddin Mukhriz Mahathir Mohd. Khir T oyo
Don’t know No response
100% 3% 2% 5% 6%
90% 12%
23% 18%
80% 13%
70% 11%
47% 8%
60%
50%
58% 7%
40% 58%
52%
30%
20% 37%
10%
11% 15% 10%
0% 5%
Total (n=1031) Malay (n=592) Chinese (n=319) Indian (n=120)
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 National Opinion Poll: Perceptions on UMNO Party Elections 2009
4 – 16 February 2009, n = 1031

Views on UMNO Party Elections, Total [ n = 1031 ]

Of the candidates vying for UMNO Wanita chief, who do you think is best suited to
lead Wanita UMNO?
Rafidah Aziz Shahrizat Jalil Don’t know No response

100% 4% 3% 5% 8%
90% 10%
20%
80% 18%
38%
70%
60%
60%
50% 51% 41%
40% 37%
30%
20%
27% 33%
10% 26% 20%
0%
Total (n=1031) Malay (n=592) Chinese (n=319) Indian (n=120)
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 National Opinion Poll: Perceptions on UMNO Party Elections 2009
4 – 16 February 2009, n = 1031

Views on UMNO Party Elections, Total [ n = 1031 ]

Of the candidates vying for Puteri UMNO chief, who do you think is best suited to
lead Puteri UMNO?

Rosnah Abdul Rashid Sirlin Shahniza Shamsuddin

Don’t know No response
100% 2%
4% 7% 7%
90%
80%
44%
70% 54% 49%
60%
74%
50%
40%
33%
30% 26% 32%
20%
10% 21% 12%
16% 13%
0% 8%

Total (n=1031) Malay (n=592) Chinese (n=319) Indian (n=120)

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 National Opinion Poll: Perceptions on UMNO Party Elections 2009
4 – 16 February 2009, n = 1031

Perception on Current Situation, Total [ n = 306 ]

Between these two following statements about Umno party elections in 2009 which
one is closest to your view?

60%

40%

50%
20%
34%
11% 5%
0%
A compromise among the The Deputy President Don’t know No response
Deputy President candidates should not
candidates is the best way compromise because the
to elect the most suitable contest will not split the
leader without a split in the party.
party.

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 National Opinion Poll: Perceptions on UMNO Party Elections 2009
4 – 16 February 2009, n = 1031

Views on UMNO Party Elections, Total [ n = 1031 ]

If the candidates for the Deputy President post decide to compromise, who do you
think is most suitable to hold the post of Deputy President?
Muhyiddin Yassin Mohd. Ali Rustam
Muhammad Muhd Taib Nobody suitable
Don’t know No response
100% 1%
4% 8% 4%
90%
23% 11% 15%
80%
7% 36% 6%
70% 6%
11% 13%
60% 5% 15%
50% 9% 15%
40% 3%
3%
30% 60%
48% 51%
20% 39%
10%
0%
Total (n=306) Malay (n=90) Chinese (n=144) Indian (n=72)
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 National Opinion Poll: Perceptions on UMNO Party Elections 2009
4 – 16 February 2009, n = 1031

Views on UMNO Party Elections, Total [ n = 1031 ]

Now, I am going to read to you two statements concerning UMNO party election.
After you hear each one, please tell me which one is closer to your opinion:

80%

60%

40% 79%

20%
16%
0% 4% 2%
Party delegates should Party delegates should listen to Don’t know No response
determine UMNO leadership the views of people like you in
line-up without being influenced determining UMNO leadership
by anyone at all because it is line-up because it will
an internal affair of the party. determine the leadership of the
country

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 National Opinion Poll: Perceptions on UMNO Party Elections 2009
4 – 16 February 2009, n = 1031

Views on UMNO Party Elections, Total [ n = 1031 ]

How strongly do you agree or disagree to.....?

Strongly agree Somewhat agree Maybe

Somewhat disagree Strongly disagree Don’t know
No response
100% 2% 2% 2% 4%
15% 14% 18% 9%
80% 3% 15%
18% 26% 7%
11% 8%
60% 9% 1%
7% 10% 23%
6% 25%
40% 22%
20%
20% 41%
28% 34%
23%
0%
T otal (n=1031) Malay (n=592) Chinese (n=319) Indian (n=120)

Abolishing the nomination quota system in UMNO party election

(a candidate has to receive a certain amount of nomination before he is
eligible to contest)
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 National Opinion Poll: Perceptions on UMNO Party Elections 2009
4 – 16 February 2009, n = 1031

Perception on Current Situation, Total [ n = 1031 ]

How strongly do you agree or disagree to.....?

Strongly agree Somewhat agree Maybe
Somewhat disagree Strongly disagree Don’t know
No response
100% 2% 1% 2%
7% 5% 5%
11% 4%
13% 17% 5% 11%
80% 2%
9% 3%
11% 9%
14%
10% 15%
60%
10%
25% 29%
40% 26%
67%
20%
32% 27% 29%

0%
T otal (n=1031) Malay (n=592) Chinese (n=319) Indian (n=120)

Ordinary members to be given the right to vote for UMNO top posts
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