Most Malaysians back tough stance on street protests: Poll
AN OVERWHELMING number of Malaysians are against street protests and have backed the government's decision to use the law to stop anyone from threatening racial peace and harmony, according to a recent survey.
The survey was conducted by independent pollster Merdeka Centre from Dec 7 to 12.
About 860 respondents from across the country who were randomly selected along the lines of residence, ethnicity, gender and age (21 and above) were interviewed over the telephone.
When asked whether the government should use all legal means it has to stop individuals and groups from threatening racial peace and harmony, 73 per cent agreed to such a tough stance. Only 15 per cent of those surveyed disagreed with such actions.
The survey also showed that 52 per cent of Malaysians supported Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi in the strong action taken against the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf), while 25 per cent did not.
Fifty-two per cent of the respondents felt that street demonstrations were unacceptable for voicing views, while 43 per cent said it was acceptable.
The respondents said street protests not only affected business in the country, but also gave Malaysia a bad name overseas.
Eighty-two per cent of the respondents felt that demonstrations disrupted business activities and traffic in the city.
Seventy-three per cent said protests would affect the economy, while 80 per cent of the respondents said the country's image would be tarnished.
On whether they believed the allegations by Hindraf that the government carried out ethnic cleansing and extremists-backed marginalisation of the Indian community, 72 per cent said 'no'.
Fifty-six per cent of the respondents felt that street demonstrations or illegal public gatherings would likely turn violent, but 27 per cent disagreed.
However, the response was almost evenly split on the question of who or what was likely to be the main cause for some demonstrations turning violent.
While 32 per cent said violence was caused by unruly demonstrators, 29 per cent believed instigators or provocateurs in the crowd were to blame.
Twenty per cent cited the actions of the police as being the likely cause of violence.
THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
