PUBLIC TRUST IN MALAYSIA'S CORE INSTITUTIONS RISES IN 2024 -- EDELMAN SURVEY

KUALA LUMPUR, June 27 (Bernama) -- Malaysia ranks as the seventh most trusting nation in the 2024 Edelman Trust Barometer survey which covers 28 countries, rising two notches from ninth place last year.

According to the 2024 Edelman Trust Barometer - Malaysia Report, the country recorded a six-point rise to 68 in the overall Trust Index score, which represents the public’s average per cent trust across non-governmental organisations (NGOs), business, government and media.

In a statement today, Edelman said the government has seen a remarkable 13-point increase in public trust since last year.

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Edelman Malaysia chief operating officer Chris de Cruz said Malaysia's rise in trust underscores a positive shift in public perception towards our governance and institutional frameworks.

“This increase signals a growing optimism in our ability to navigate economic challenges and foster inclusive growth,” he said.

Businesses emerge as the most most trusted institution in the country with a score of 75, followed by NGOs (70), the government (67) and media (60).

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Edelman said businesses are seen as pivotal in driving societal change as trusted institutions.

Based on the survey, Malaysians expect chief executive officers to stand on critical issues, including fair wages, climate change, and economic inequality.

“Businesses that align with public values and actively address societal concerns are more likely to gain public support.

“Business is the most trusted institution in the Edelman Trust Barometer, seen as an innovation machine. However, businesses must prioritise implementing and accepting change as much as it does research and development,” de Cruz said.

The online survey, conducted from Nov 3-22, 2023, covered over 32,000 respondents across 28 countries, including more than 1,000 respondents from Malaysia, providing a robust snapshot of public sentiment on trust, innovation, and governance.

The Edelman Trust Barometer is the firm's annual trust and credibility survey, a cornerstone of its thought leadership programme. It examines trust and credibility across industries, geographies, and demographics.

Other countries in the top 10 are China (with a score of 79), India (76), the United Arab Emirates (74), Indonesia (73), Saudi Arabia (72), Thailand (70), Singapore (67), Kenya (64) and Nigeria (61).

-- BERNAMA