Latest news with #MerdekaCenter
Malaysian Reserve
21 hours ago
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
Malaysia to show leadership on illicit trade in ASEAN, says survey
A NEW nationwide survey has shown overwhelming public support for Malaysia to take a regional leadership role in tackling illicit tobacco and reforming excise taxes in a more predictable and systematic way. The findings of the survey, conducted by the Merdeka Center and commissioned by the public affairs and media agency Aroca Group, noted that illicit trade of tobacco products was a national and regional concern. Som: 70% of Malaysians surveyed said they were concerned about the high levels of illicit tobacco trade, with 72% calling on the government to factor this into tax policy decisions. As ASEAN chair, 72% of the 1,210 Malaysians surveyed agreed Malaysia should prioritise excise tax reform and cross-border enforcement efforts to combat smuggling and black-market activity. The survey also showed a growing consensus around two other key points: support for moderate and predictable tax increases as well as that tax revenue should support public services. The survey noted that two-thirds of Malaysians (66%) support raising cigarette taxes. In addition, 65% of respondents believed that these increases should be implemented in a moderate and predictable manner. 'There are some clear messages in this survey: Malaysians overwhelmingly support a smarter approach to tobacco tax policy: one that addresses crime, supports public health, and provides economic predictability,' Merdeka Center programmes director Ibrahim Suffian said in a statement. He said that as the Asean chair, there was clear support from the public for Malaysia to use the 'golden opportunity' to lead the way. –TMR
Malay Mail
7 days ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
Majority of Malaysians support higher cigarette taxes, Merdeka Center survey finds
KUALA LUMPUR, May 29 — Two-thirds of Malaysians support higher cigarette taxes, provided they are implemented in a moderate and predictable manner, according to a survey conducted by the Merdeka Center. The findings revealed that 66 per cent of Malaysians back an increase in cigarette taxes, while 25 per cent oppose the move, and nine per cent remain unsure. The strongest support came from those aged 21 to 30, with over 84 per cent in favour, while opposition to tax hikes was highest among respondents aged 51 to 60. The survey also found significant differences in support based on gender and smoking status. Among women, 72 per cent supported the tax hike, compared to 61 per cent of men. Opposition was higher among men, at 33 per cent, compared to 16 per cent among women. Additionally, 65 per cent of respondents supported implementing a multi-year tax calendar for cigarette excise hikes, allowing for moderate and predictable increases. Among respondents aged 18 to 20, 78 per cent favoured the idea, with the highest support seen in the 21 to 30 age group (80 per cent). Support decreased with age, falling to 53 per cent among those aged 60 and above. Women were more supportive of a multi-year tax calendar, with 66 per cent in favour compared to 64 per cent of men. By smoking status, former smokers were the most supportive, with 70 per cent backing the policy, while current smokers showed the least support at 60 per cent. A majority of Malaysians (79 per cent) also agreed that curbing illicit trade would help reduce crime and increase tax revenue for essential services such as health, education, and infrastructure. Non-Malay Bumiputera and Malay Bumiputera respondents were the most supportive, with 86 per cent and 84 per cent respectively agreeing that addressing illicit trade would yield these benefits. This was followed by Chinese respondents (80 per cent) and Malays (79 per cent). Indian respondents were less convinced, with 62 per cent expressing support. As Malaysia holds the Asean chairmanship this year, 72 per cent of respondents said the country should prioritise excise tax reform and cross-border enforcement to curb smuggling. The survey was conducted by the Merdeka Center between March 27 and April 17, 2025, involving 1,210 Malaysians aged 18 and above across all 14 states, including Sabah and Sarawak. Random stratified sampling was employed based on ethnicity, gender, age, and location, with interviews conducted by phone.
Free Malaysia Today
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
PKR polls defeat not end of the road for Rafizi, say analysts
Rafizi Ramli could still play a constructive role in PKR and be of great help in the party's preparations for the next general election, according to Merdeka Center's Ibrahim Suffian. PETALING JAYA : Rafizi Ramli's defeat in the contest for the PKR deputy president's post is not the end of his political career if the Pandan MP can recalibrate his strategy, says an analyst. Describing the outcome as a 'sign of changing tides', Awang Azman Pawi believes Rafizi remains a key figure in Malaysian politics despite the loss. 'He is still influential, respected and possesses a broad grassroots network,' said the academic, who noted Rafizi's unique strengths in data analysis and intellectual discourse. 'He should be like a snake that slithers through the roots but never loses its venom,' he said, citing a Malay proverb. Awang Azman Pawi. However, the defeat sheds light on several underlying currents within PKR. Chief among them is the decline in support from his base, particularly among pro-Rafizi factions who are disheartened by the results. 'Rafizi was once at his peak when 'data reform' was the core of his movement. However, now he is perhaps seen as being out of touch with the sentiments of the party's grassroots,' Awang Azman said. Critics have pointed to Rafizi's communication style, which some perceive as being elitist or disconnected, as a potential reason for the shift in support. His forthright stance on issues relating to both the party and the unity government may have inadvertently painted the economy minister as being 'outside the collective', despite intentions aimed at internal reform. Prior to the election, he vowed to resign as economy minister if he failed to be re-elected as PKR deputy president in the party elections. Ibrahim Suffian. Rafizi said it would be a relief if he was no longer part of the Cabinet as it would mean having more time and freedom to speak out on various issues. Merdeka Center's Ibrahim Suffian also dismissed suggestions that Rafizi's loss to Nurul Izzah Anwar signals the end of his political journey. 'I don't think it's the end of the road for Rafizi. He still commands significant support within the party. 'I believe he could very well complement Nurul Izzah in the party's preparations for the next general election (GE16) and continue to play a constructive role in the future.' James Chin. Another analyst, James Chin also said Rafizi's career is far from over – but cautioned that his next move will be critical. 'It is not the end of the road for Rafizi,' Chin stated. 'It depends on what he chooses to do now. If he throws a tantrum and resigns from everything, then it would be very, very bad.'
Malaysiakini
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Malaysiakini
Survey: Over 60pct Indians back Najib's pardon bid
A majority of Indians back former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak's pardon bid, according to a Merdeka Center survey. The survey, commissioned by Projek Sama, found that 62.2 percent of Indians surveyed supported Najib's bid, followed by Muslim bumiputera (50.5 percent) and Malays (43.0 percent). However, a whopping 95 percent of Chinese...
Barnama
23-04-2025
- General
- Barnama
Difficulty In Claiming Alimony, Child Support Among Issues Faced By Divorced Muslim Women
& nbsp;Muslim women, particularly those in the B40 or low-income group, often face various challenges following divorce, particularly when it comes to securing their rights within the Islamic legal framework. Their ex-husbands not only neglect their responsibility to provide them maintenance but also fail to pay child support, even when ordered by the Syariah Court. These were among the issues discussed in a forum organised by Sisters in Islam (SIS) in collaboration with Merdeka Center and IOI Foundation, held here recently. Titled 'Financial Rights of Low-Income Muslim Women in the Islamic Family Law System in Selangor and the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur', the forum highlighted the findings of a study conducted by Merdeka Center, an opinion research firm. LENGTHY LEGAL PROCESS Among the main issues faced by B40 Muslim women following divorce are claiming alimony as well as their matrimonial property and financial rights. Studies have found that women in this group face huge challenges in obtaining these rights through the Syariah legal system in Malaysia due to several factors, including a lack of knowledge about their entitlements after divorce and bureaucratic obstacles, as well as social pressures that hinder their ability to claim their rights in court. According to a senior researcher at Merdeka Center Nor Mariana Mohd Daud, their study – carried out in July 2024 – revealed that some of these women also experienced severe emotional distress due to financial instability, and even faced depression because they were unable to meet their financial obligations. The study by Merdeka Center involved 124 respondents consisting of B40 women residing in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor. The majority of the respondents were aged between 41 and 50, while the rest were under 30. At the time the study was conducted, the respondents had gone through divorce and were single mothers. 'About 81 percent of these single mothers had a (monthly) household income of only RM1,000 to RM2,000,' Nor Mariana said. She said out of the 124 respondents, 51 percent admitted they did not file any claim in court after the divorce for several specific reasons. 'These low-income women (respondents) were aware the legal process to make a claim would take a long time, which discouraged them from pursuing their rightful entitlements. The second reason was insufficient financial resources. 'In some cases, we found that some women had to borrow money from relatives just to open a divorce file. So imagine the financial burden they would face if they were to open additional files for other claims. 'Many women we interviewed told us that even opening one claim file (in court) would cost RM50. For some of them, RM50 was a big amount which they could not afford, even though these women knew they were entitled to financial rights under Islamic law,' she added. She said another factor preventing some women from fighting for their rights in court was the lack of evidence. 'They never imagined, let alone intended to separate (from their husbands). As a result, while living together as husband and wife, they never kept any proof (of their misdemeanours), believing their relationship would last forever,' she said. Nor Mariana said 49 percent of respondents did proceed to file financial claims in court as a means to continue supporting themselves and their children. CONSTRAINTS AND CHALLENGES Many of the respondents also said they were unwilling to be burdened by the complicated process of making financial claims against their ex-husbands. According to Nor Mariana, they were aware that if such claims were filed, they would have to go through a lengthy court process. 'They also faced financial constraints… their expenses exceeded their income, particularly in the case of women who were earning only RM1,000 a month. 'Even those earning RM2,000 to RM4,000 a month faced the same situation of expenses exceeding income. Their expenditure covered the basic and essential necessities which, they (respondents) must bear, especially since many divorces occurred while these women were housewives and did not have any job,' she said. She added another factor discouraging the respondents from filing claims was pressure from external parties, including their ex-husbands and in-laws. 'In fact, some of them also experienced pressure from their own families and friends, who influenced their decision not to pursue financial claims in court. They also faced social stigma such as feelings of shame and low self-esteem. The absence of a support system from family and friends is a major reason why many women do not follow through with asserting their rights,' she explained. Meanwhile, SIS communications manager Ameena Siddiqi said the findings of the study revealed the harsh reality experienced by Muslim women after going through separation. She said the challenges and constraints faced by low-income women must be addressed through stronger legal reforms, stricter enforcement mechanisms and support programmes that prioritise the welfare of women and their children. 'This latest study uncovers the reality for divorced Muslim women. It shows the barriers they face, which ultimately force them to live in poverty,' she said. Ameena added that with the availability of these research findings, the relevant authorities must no longer remain silent but should instead begin taking steps toward reform, including policy development and collaboration to resolve the issues. SIS recommends that the government increase awareness of the importance of family support by implementing programmes disseminated through the media, working with local communities and fostering integration among agencies to ensure aid reaches those in need. SIS also hopes that public dissemination of information about financial rights and maintenance claims can be improved, alongside offering newly divorced women free legal services and reducing the costs involved in preparing court documents.
