17/07/2026
Chinese and Russian narratives are quietly shaping how Malaysian see the world. Europe needs to pay attention to this playbook.
Two new nationally representative surveys, commissioned by FNF Malaysia, reveal how foreign information campaigns are spreading through Malaysia's open media landscape.
Social media over-consumption, trusted domestic news being co-opted by state-sponsored narratives, and growing disillusionment with democratic outcomes are all creating openings for authoritarian messaging to take hold.
Yet the picture is nuanced. Malaysians retain a deep attachment to democratic values. Exposure to these narratives doesn't automatically translate into influence, and that's precisely where the opportunity lies for Germany and Europe.
In his policy paper, Dr. Benjamin Barton (University of Nottingham Malaysia) argues that Europe must reinvent its public diplomacy in Malaysia: moving away from being perceived as an extension of US foreign policy, and positioning itself instead as a credible, independent, and genuinely supportive partner for Malaysia's democratic future.
Read the full article and access the publications here:
Two new surveys reveal how Beijing and Moscow are shaping Malaysian public narratives and opinion — and what Europe can do about it.
