KUALA LUMPUR, July 8 -- Fewer Malaysians now believe that their country is in decline, signalling a growing optimism about the nation's future.

The latest Ipsos Populism Report 2025 found that the proportion of Malaysians who think the country is in decline fell to 40 per cent from 52 per cent in 2023.

Similarly, the number of Malaysians who feel that society is broken dropped by three percentage points, indicating a more hopeful national mood.

The drop means Malaysia is now below the global average of 56 per cent for perceptions of national decline.

Ipsos said Malaysia's trend stands in contrast to rising concerns in countries like Indonesia, where 68 per cent believe their society is broken.

Despite the improved sentiment, however,...