Malaysia: 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.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, 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," Ahmad Sani said. He shared these insights following the launch of Malaysia's humanitarian aid mission to Gaza under the Global Sumud Flotilla 2.0 delegation.
Ahmad Sani mentioned that 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. Discussions have been held with the Communications Ministry to air the send-off ceremony live and explore the possibility of broadcasting from Rafah, subject to approval from Egyptian authorities. This initiative aims to enable Malaysians to witness the mission's progress firsthand while fostering solidarity with the Palestinian people.
He emphasized the critical role media practitioners play in conveying accurate information to the global community despite safety risks, noting the journalists in Gaza who have lost their lives while reporting on the conflict. 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. Regional counterparts have already 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," Ahmad Sani said. He 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.