Tesla faces boycott in Malaysia after Musk backs Trump Gaza plan

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: News websites
21 Feb 2025 15:30
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The backlash underscores the potential impact of Musk's political involvement on Tesla's business, especially in a region with strong pro-Palestine sentiment.

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Elon Musk speaks at the Conservative Political Action Conference, CPAC, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, on February 20, 2025, in Oxon Hill, Maryland. (AP)

Tesla is facing growing calls for a boycott in Malaysia due to CEO Elon Musk’s endorsement of US President Donald Trump's plans to take over Gaza and permanently displace Palestinians.

After Musk expressed support for Trump, Malaysians took to social media to criticize Tesla's latest Model Y "Juniper" car, even dubbing it a "swasticar," according to the South China Morning Post. The term gained traction after Musk was seen making a hand gesture resembling a Nazi salute during Trump’s inauguration.

Musk has since dismissed the claims about his gestures on X, stating his critics "need better dirty tricks" and expressing his exhaustion over being compared to Adolf Hitler.

Woke & Awakening.

Tesla faces boycott as Malaysians link Musk’s support for Trump to Gaza plan.

The backlash highlights the potential impact of Musk’s political involvement on Tesla’s business, particularly in a region with strong pro-Palestinian sentiment.… https://t.co/WmMj0VFW0s pic.twitter.com/u3hSLBbDiE
— Jeff Ooi (@Jeff4Malaysia) February 21, 2025

Tesla Model Y terbakar di Puchong Jaya.
Is this the first here in Malaysia?

Harap semua okay. Luckily kat open area. pic.twitter.com/HzdeJ7akTz
— Hezeri Samsuri (@HezeriSamsuri) October 16, 2023

The Edge Malaysia reported yesterday that amid growing calls for a boycott and concerns about Tesla's potential manufacturing plans in Malaysia, the EV giant's manufacturing plant remains under discussion. Investment, Trade, and Industry Minister Zafrul Abdul Aziz reportedly mentioned that Tesla may assess the commercial viability of setting up the plant, given the intensifying competition in both regional and domestic markets.

Speaking to Dewan Rakyat on February 20, Zafrul stated that Malaysia's initial discussions with Tesla in 2023 were centered around establishing EV-related infrastructure, including charging stations and sales operations.

The minister reportedly mentioned that several other Southeast Asian countries are also vying for Tesla's attention, but competition from other EV brands, such as BYD, MG, Great Wall Motor, and Neta, is complicating these efforts.

Zafrul further highlighted that Tesla is encountering increasing global challenges in meeting its sales targets, partly due to the rise of rival brands offering affordable, yet technologically advanced, EV models.

Additionally, Malaysia's national carmaker, PROTON, introduced its new EV brand, e.MAS, in December 2024. This marks the nation's first electric vehicle and represents a significant step forward in Malaysia's dedication to promoting sustainable mobility.