The results of the survey, conducted in January, also showed that Adenan’s rating across all segments of society had increased from 74% in comparison to a survey conducted last year. The segments included Malay-Melanau, Dayak and Chinese voters.

Some 75% of respondents in the latest survey agreed that Adenan had brought significant change to Sarawak since he took over as CM in February 2014, with 19% of Chinese respondents recognising Adenan’s efforts in education, specifically mentioning the state government’s recognition of the Unified Examination Certificate.

The survey noted however that a segment of voters harboured mixed views over some of Adenan’s policies, including allowing Christians to use the term “Allah”, the suspension of the Baram dam project, as well as the banning of some Opposition members and NGO personalities from entering the state.

Meanwhile only 36% of respondents were satisfied with the performance of Opposition politicians, with 47% being dissatisfied with the Sarawak Opposition, and less than one-third of Bumiputera respondents satisfied with the Opposition.

The survey also revealed that more than half of Chinese respondents were unaware of who Sarawak PKR chief and state Opposition leader, Baru Bian was.

Some 37% of Chinese respondents and almost half of the Bumiputera respondents also did not know who DAP Sarawak chief, Chong Chieng Jen was.

“Despite the lower satisfaction figures for the Opposition and its leaders, the same survey found that a majority, 56% of respondents agreed that Sarawak needed a stronger Opposition in the state assembly.

“In our opinion, although Adenan possessed a strong approval rating among voters, not all of it will be translated into votes for the BN.”

The survey gauged the perceptions of 815 registered voters comprising 27% Muslim Bumiputera, 38% Non-Muslim Bumiputera and 36% Chinese respondents, reflective of the electoral profile of Sarawak.