By Ariani Mohd Nor
GOMBAK, 9 November 2020: The “World Association for Public Opinion Research (WAPOR) Asia Kuala Lumpur 2020” virtual conference went live this morning following an official opening by Prime Minister, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
In his opening address to the virtual conference, the Prime Minister highlighted how public opinion has contributed to the success of Malaysia in handling issues such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
He said: œThe contribution of public opinion in economic policies decision-making in challenging times has never been more crucial. It has been the key in retaining Malaysia as a stable and peaceful nation.
He further said that it is significant for leaders to know and to value public opinion so that they can understand the public they are trying to serve.
œThe story of Malaysias success is not a miraculous mean, the Prime Minister said. But he added, œIt is a concerted effort of a nation built on trust, and that trust is won by the government by addressing the publics immediate concerns.
Tan Sri Muhyiddin believes that “as we are still adjusting to the new normal that is 2020, it could also determine the direction that a nation is heading until the pandemic is over.”
He ended his speech with well wishes for the event and his honour to be a part of the conference.
The opening ceremony was preceded by a speech by the Rector of IIUM, Professor Emeritus Tan Sri Dato Dzulkifli Abdul Razak. The President of WAPOR Asia, Yashwant Deshmukh of CVOTER, India, also delivered his speech to the conference.
Earlier, Prof. Dato Sri Dr. Syed Arabi Idid who is the Chairperson for “WAPOR Asia Kuala Lumpur 2020” conference gave his opening remarks.
“WAPOR Asia Kuala Lumpur 2020” with its theme œPublic Opinion: Present Reflection and Beyond 2020 has attracted the attention of scholars, academics and professional communities in Malaysia and Asia.
The main conference to be held tomorrow (10 November) starting from 9 a.m until 5.30 p.m will see presentations by prominent scholars and practitioners in the field sharing their knowledge and experience. ***
Photo credit: Nafisa Mayukh