By Channel NewsAsia
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Najib Razak’s approval ratings appear to have improved ahead of Malaysia’s General Election, according to some surveys.
Mr Najib’s popularity appears to be at an all-time high. Among more than 1.5 million civil servants and federal agencies staff, he was greeted like a superstar.
Of course, that was to be expected after he met their demand for higher pay, better benefits and allowances, including pension for retirees.
Indeed, Mr Najib has become the Barisan Nasional ruling coalition’s number one asset.
His various 1Malaysia initiatives have made him more popular than his own party.
Mr Najib denied they were populist measures.
“My conscience is clear, what I said is based on success stories, Malaysia’s success stories. When we succeed to take care of our country, we say people are our biggest asset,” he said.
Mr Najib’s star appeal has never failed to draw huge crowds at nationwide road shows, which concluded last weekend in his home state of Pahang.
Many celebrated the handsome allocations to improve the state to improve infrastructure and housing.
Mr Najib also promised annual cash handouts that will amount to more than US$1 billion if his government is returned to power.
It is clear that Mr Najib has a huge fan base among hundreds of thousands of civil servants and statutory body workers.
He promised to always look after their welfare which he hopes will be rewarded in the coming General Election.
