The controversial figure’s pro-Israel stance and online commentary spark calls for legal action in Malaysia.
In the often polarized and incendiary world of American politics, pundits frequently shape narratives, offering commentary on everything from domestic policies to global crises. But Ian Miles Cheong isn’t your typical political commentator. Labeled as a political influencer by Time Magazine, Cheong, a blogger deeply entrenched in the U.S. right-wing, has carved out a niche for himself on social media platforms, primarily Twitter (now X), where he boasts over 900k followers. His daily posts critique U.S. politics, often making controversial and alarmist claims on topics like Ukraine, COVID-19, and gender issues.
What sets Cheong apart, however, is not just the content of his commentary but the fact that he isn’t American. In fact, he resides in Malaysia, a detail that has become central to the recent firestorm surrounding him. While he has made a name for himself criticizing the U.S., his avoidance of Malaysian politics—until recently—has helped him maintain a degree of comfort within his niche. That is, until his online rhetoric caught up with him.
Cheong’s Background and Shift in Political Views
Cheong’s rise to prominence began in the 2010s when he became involved in the Gamergate controversy—a campaign of online harassment targeting women in the video game industry. At the time, Cheong positioned himself as a defender of the women being harassed, even calling himself a “turbo-feminist.” However, over the years, his political outlook took a sharp turn to the right, where he began attacking movements like Black Lives Matter and the LGBTQ+ community.
Recently, his support for Israel during the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict has drawn significant backlash, particularly in Malaysia. In 2023, he made tweets supporting Israel’s “right to exist” and “defend itself,” statements that many in Malaysia, a predominantly Muslim country, found offensive given the country’s widespread support for Palestine. This has led to a surge of calls for legal action against Cheong, who is a Malaysian citizen.
The Backlash in Malaysia
Cheong’s comments about Israel have ignited outrage across Malaysia, where many citizens strongly support Palestine. A tweet by a Malaysian user tagged the country’s Communications Minister, Fahmi Fadzil, urging action against Cheong. Other Malaysians have joined the outcry, calling for legal consequences under the nation’s strict laws.
The controversy has expanded beyond Malaysia’s borders. Americans, known for their own volatile political environment, have taken to mocking the backlash, even circulating false rumors about Cheong’s supposed arrest or execution. These rumors, while baseless, reflect the intensity of the disdain directed at Cheong.
Cheong Responds
Amid the uproar, Cheong responded in a statement to New Straits Times, explaining that his tweets on Israel were not meant to endorse all of Israel’s actions but were expressions of shock and horror at the events unfolding in October 2023. He also defended his views by blaming left-wing critics for distorting his words.
While he continues to tweet, Cheong has kept his commentary on Malaysia’s politics minimal, perhaps recognizing the potential danger in publicly engaging with local issues. His approach appears to be one of self-preservation, given the increasing backlash against his rhetoric.
The Culture War and Cheong’s Influence
Cheong has built a reputation as a figurehead in the culture wars, frequently warning his followers about the degradation of societal values, morals, and traditions. His commentary, often exaggerated or distorted, resonates with many who seek confirmation of their own political beliefs. Despite the controversy, Cheong’s presence online has been lucrative, with reports indicating he earned US$16,259 from his tweets alone in 2023.
For now, it remains unclear whether the Malaysian government will take formal action against Cheong. However, his growing involvement in international discourse and his tendency to court controversy suggest that the scrutiny of his words will likely continue.
As Cheong navigates the volatile landscape of online politics, the growing scrutiny in Malaysia serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding political expression, especially when cultural and national boundaries are crossed. Whether or not Cheong’s views will spark further political and legal ramifications in his home country remains to be seen, but as long as the culture wars rage on, his influence is likely to endure.
