Public backlash against Tesla is growing in Malaysia, with calls for a boycott gaining traction due to CEO Elon Musk’s political actions and controversial stances.

You may know about the ‘Tesla Takedown’ movement taking hold in the United States and Europe, but it’s now spreading all the way to Malaysia, too.

In recent weeks, Malaysia has witnessed a surge of public outcry against Tesla, the well-known electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, primarily due to the contentious political actions of its CEO, Elon Musk. This backlash has manifested in widespread calls for boycotts, heated discussions across social media platforms, and a discernible shift in consumer sentiment.

The catalyst for this uproar traces back to Musk’s conspicuous support for (and many say being the architect of) U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial policies, notably an outrageous proposal concerning Gaza that threatens the forced displacement of millions of Palestinians. This stance has not only led to international condemnation, but has also deeply resonated here in Malaysia, a nation with a predominantly Muslim population that has historically championed the Palestinian cause. The perceived alignment of Musk with such policies has been perceived by many Malaysians as a direct affront to their values and solidarity with Palestine.

The situation escalated further following Musk’s appearance at President Trump’s post-inauguration rally in January 2025. During the event, Musk performed a gesture that many interpreted as a Nazi salute, intensifying the backlash. While Musk dismissed these allegations, stating that his critics need “better dirty tricks” and that the “‘everyone is Hitler’ attack is sooo tired,” the incident has nonetheless fueled negative sentiments.

MALAYSIANS BRINGING A GLOBAL FIGHT HOME

In Malaysia, the response has been swift and vocal. Social media platforms are abuzz with Malaysians expressing their disapproval and urging others to distance themselves from Tesla. A Facebook post dated February 18, highlighting the release of a new Tesla model in the country, was inundated with negative comments. Some users went so far as to label the vehicle a “Swasticar,” a portmanteau combining “swastika” and “car,” to convey their disapproval.

The discontent isn’t confined to social media rhetoric, either. Concrete actions are being taken, with numerous calls to boycott Tesla products. Data from media intelligence firm Dataxet Nama reveals that the overall sentiment toward Tesla in Malaysia is now overwhelmingly negative, accounting for a staggering 85% of public opinion, with only 10% positive and 5% neutral.

This brutal wave of dissent in Malaysia mirrors a broader global trend. In Poland, for instance, a government ministry declared that “no normal Poles should buy a Tesla anymore” after Musk’s appearance at a far-right political rally in Germany. Similarly, in the United States, the ‘Tesla Takedown’ movement has gained momentum, organizing protests at Tesla showrooms and urging consumers to sell their Tesla vehicles and shares. This movement aims to impact the company’s stock value and, by extension, Musk’s financial standing.

The repercussions of these protests are already being seen, and they are tangible. Tesla has experienced a significant decline in sales, with a 45% drop in Europe in January 2025 compared to the previous year. Analysts attribute this downturn to Musk’s political affiliations and public gestures, which have alienated a substantial segment of the consumer base.

In response to the escalating backlash, Tesla owners worldwide are taking measures to dissociate themselves from the brand. Reports have emerged of owners replacing the Tesla logo on their vehicles with emblems from other car manufacturers, such as Toyota, Mazda, Honda, and Audi, to avoid potential vandalism and public censure. This trend underscores the extent to which Musk’s political engagements have influenced public perception of the Tesla brand.

DOES TESLA HAVE A FUTURE IN MALAYSIA?

Tesla’s foray into the Malaysian market began in 2023, with vehicles priced from RM181,000. The company aimed to capitalize on the nation’s growing interest in sustainable transportation solutions. However, the recent controversies surrounding Musk have cast a shadow over Tesla’s prospects in the region. The strong pro-Palestinian sentiment prevalent among Malaysians has amplified the backlash, with many viewing a purchase of Tesla products as a tacit endorsement of Musk’s political stance.

The situation presents a complex challenge for Tesla. While the company has been at the forefront of the EV revolution, pioneering advancements in sustainable transportation, its success is inextricably linked to public perception. Musk’s personal political engagements and public gestures have, in this instance, overshadowed the company’s technological achievements, leading to a notable erosion of consumer trust and loyalty.

As the boycott movement gains traction in Malaysia and beyond, it remains to be seen how Tesla will navigate this crisis. But it’s safe to assume that Tesla’s competitors are eyeing their own near-term futures with a bit more optimism these days.