Yingluck and Abhisit both rate well in latest opinion polling
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Abac survey shows corruption and lack of honesty are main grievances
Yingluck Shinawatra and Chalerm Yoobamrung are the most popular government figures, while Abhisit Vejjajiva and Chuwit Kamolvisit are the most popular politicians in the opposition, according to results of a public opinion survey released yesterday.
Assumption University’s Abac Poll asked 2,149 residents from 17 provinces in all regions of the country – including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, Chon Buri and Nakhon Si Thammarat – about their favourite politicians on both sides of the aisle in the past year. The respondents were aged 18 and over and the survey was conducted between December 20 and 31.
Prime Minister Yingluck came first among government figures, with a 78 per cent approval from respondents. In distant second place was Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm, who got 14 per cent of votes, according to Noppadon Kannikar, director of Abac Poll.
They were followed by Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Yongyuth Wichaidit, Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Kittiratt Na-Ranong, and Defence Minister Yuthasak Sasiprapha, the poll results said.
Among opposition politicians, opposition leader Abhisit, who is also the Democrat Party leader, got the most votes with 75 per cent. He was followed by Chuwit, an MP from the small Rak Thailand Party, with close to 17 per cent.
Other popular opposition figures included Chuan Leekpai, Rangsima Rodrassami and Suthep Thaugsuban, all of them from the Democrats.
Asked to identify the behaviour of the politicians and bureaucrats they disliked most in the past year, 79 per cent of respondents cited corruption. More than 55 per cent of those surveyed pointed to bad manners, 55 per cent to favouritism, 52 per cent to failure to tackle red tape, and 52 per cent to abuse of power.
Asked what they wanted to see most in politicians this year, 70 per cent said honesty. Almost 66 per cent pointed to diligence, 64 per cent to sincere service, and 61 per cent to appointment based on merit.
Close to 54 per cent of those surveyed were hopeful a positive outlook was ahead for them, while 46 per cent were worried the future would not be bright.
More than three quarters of respondents (79 per cent) were unsure that most politicians and bureaucrats these days are honest. A total of 56 per cent of those surveyed were unsure that constitutional amendment would solve the political conflict.
Almost half of those surveyed (48.7 per cent) said they believed the political rift would become more violent this year, 34 per cent said the conflict would remain unchanged, and 17 per cent said it would get better.
In a separate development, the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has issued an order empowering the agency to take action against senior bureaucrats below the rank of division director.
The order was announced by NACC chairman Parnthep Klanarongran on December 20 and took effect Saturday.
It will give the anti-graft agency expanded powers to deal with bureaucrats suspected of involvement in irregularities or gaining wealth dishonestly. In the past the NACC could only take action against senior bureaucrats with the position of division director or higher.
The NACC will this year focus on promoting honesty while expanding its network of people engaged in anti-corruption activities, Parnthep said. The agency would also boost its investigative activities and moves to protect witnesses in corruption cases, he said.
