Ismail Sabri Leads In Opinion Polls On Best PM Candidate

Malaysia's caretaker Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob is the top candidate to become head of government after the upcoming general election among Barisan Nasional supporters surveyed by O2 Research Malaysia. He was chosen by 28% of respondents, while 27% picked UMNO Deputy President Mohamad Hassan and 24% chose former Premier Najib Razak, suggesting UMNO leader Zahid would have to fight an uphill battle should he decide to renege on his commitment to have Ismail Sabri return as Prime Minister if Barisan Nasional wins the election.

• In the same survey, Pakatan Harapan voters picked opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim as their preferred candidate for the top job, while Perikatan Nasional supporters chose PAS President Abdul Hadi Awang. Bersatu leader and former Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yaasin was the second choice of PN voters, while Ismail Sabri came third.
• In a separate survey conducted by Ilham Centre, Ismail Sabri was the top pick among the general electorate, garnering the support of 19% of respondents. The poll put Muhyiddin on 13%, with Najib and Anwar on 11%.