Anwar Ibrahim Leads Prime Minister Candidates as Vodus Study Highlights Top Five Figures

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 17 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, former minister Khairy Jamaluddin, Johor Chief Minister Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, Terengganu Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar, and former Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli have emerged as Malaysia’s top prospective prime-ministerial figures, according to a national study by Vodus Research.

The Malaysia Prime Minister Candidate Study 2026, conducted among 1,482 Malaysian adults nationwide between Aug 18 and Sept 1, revealed that Anwar holds the strongest overall candidacy position. The incumbent Prime Minister recorded the highest public acceptance rate at 46 per cent, the highest first-choice preference at 34 per cent, and a net-acceptance score of +19 percentage points, bolstered by a 93 per cent national familiarity rating.

Anwar’s support showed a significant regional strength, garnering 41 per cent first-choice backing in East Malaysia compared to 28 per cent in West Malaysia.

“Anwar’s stronger support in East Malaysia may partly reflect his administration’s greater focus on Sabah and Sarawak, including progress on MA63-related matters, Sabah’s revenue entitlements, and Sarawak’s greater control over its resources,” said Vodus Research Founder Dr Kelvin Goh.

Khairy Jamaluddin ranked as the strongest alternative contender on personal image, capturing the highest net-favourability score at +51 percentage points and a 63 per cent overall favourability rating. Respondents frequently highlighted Khairy’s capable leadership, clear national vision, and trustworthiness, placing him second in net acceptance at +15 points with an overall acceptance score of 32 per cent.

Terengganu Chief Minister Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar recorded the second-highest positive-favourability rating at 62 per cent and a net-favourability score of +44 points. Among those viewing him favourably, 74 per cent cited honesty and trustworthiness, while 72 per cent pointed to his commitment to good governance and anti-corruption efforts. His national familiarity stood at 32 per cent, with an overall acceptance level of 13 per cent.

Meanwhile, Johor Chief Minister Onn Hafiz Ghazi recorded a 58 per cent positive favourability rating and a +6 point net-acceptance score, with supporters citing strong leadership and economic growth potential. His national familiarity reached 42 per cent.

Former Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli’s public profile remained strongly linked to governance and reform, with 67 per cent of favourable respondents citing his anti-corruption stance. Rafizi recorded 17 per cent acceptance and 8 per cent first-choice support; however, a 20 per cent rejection score brought his net acceptance to -3 points.

“Public assessments of potential national leaders are more layered than a simple popularity contest. Familiarity, favourability, acceptability and first-choice support are distinct measures,” Dr Goh noted, adding that Malaysians are balancing personal credibility with leadership confidence.

The study highlighted that across all candidate assessments, economic growth and opportunity (56 per cent), a clear national vision (55 per cent), strong leadership capability (55 per cent), and improving living standards (52 per cent) emerged as the primary recurring themes influencing public perception.

–NMT