Malaysia Steps Up Strategic Communication To Counter Gaza Propaganda

SEPANG, April 6 (Bernama) -- Malaysia is intensifying strategic communication efforts to counter propaganda surrounding the Gaza conflict, with media positioned as a key pillar in a nationwide campaign across multiple broadcast and communication platforms.

Sumud Nusantara Control Centre (SNCC) director-general Datuk Dr Ahmad Sani Araby Abdul Alim Araby said the approach is crucial as the conflict extends beyond physical warfare to include psychological operations and propaganda that shape public perception, particularly among youths.

He said Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil had agreed to serve as patron of Sumud Nusantara, believing that such narratives and propaganda must be countered with facts.

“For me, what is most encouraging is that he (Fahmi) not only agreed to be the minister patron, but the entire Communications Ministry will support this effort to disseminate verified information, including holding two press conferences with dedicated airtime for nationwide broadcast,” he said.

He told reporters this after the launch of Malaysia’s humanitarian aid mission to Gaza under the Global Sumud Flotilla 2.0 delegation here today. Also present was Selangor Menteri Besar and mission head Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari.

Ahmad Sani said efforts are underway to provide live broadcasts to allow Malaysians to follow the humanitarian mission in real time, including from strategic locations such as the Rafah border crossing.

He said discussions have been held with the Communications Ministry to air the send-off ceremony live and to explore the possibility of broadcasting from Rafah, subject to approval from Egyptian authorities.

He said the initiative would enable Malaysians to witness the mission’s progress firsthand while fostering solidarity with the Palestinian people.

“Following discussions with the Communications Ministry, we are working to conduct a live broadcast of the send-off ceremony and, InsyaAllah, if permitted by the Egyptian government, we will also broadcast live from the Rafah border crossing,” he said.

Ahmad Sani said media practitioners play a critical role in conveying accurate information to the global community despite safety risks, citing journalists in Gaza who have lost their lives while reporting on the conflict.

He said Malaysia adopts its own approach in addressing communication challenges related to humanitarian conflicts and aims to serve as a model for other countries, despite lacking the military capabilities of major powers.

He added that regional counterparts have begun engaging with Malaysia to gather at the SNCC operations centre, positioning it as a communication hub to coordinate global efforts related to Gaza.

“This indicates that Malaysia is increasingly seen as a reference point in international humanitarian efforts and has the potential to play a bigger role, not only in diplomacy but also in media diplomacy in the future,” he said.

Ahmad Sani also expressed hope that the spirit of Aidilfitri would unite Malaysians in supporting humanitarian efforts for Gaza and encourage continued public engagement with the mission.

-- BERNAMA