Top level decision to remove PM's social media posts - Fahmi

Representatives from Meta will come to Kuala Lumpur next week to explain the removal of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s posts on the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, said Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil.

The minister, according to the New Straits Times, said the decision to remove several posts was not made by Meta’s Asia regional team but rather at the highest level.

"As of noon, Meta had not informed the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission. However, in discussions with Meta's Asia regional officials, they did not indicate that this action came from their level.

"It's likely that this decision was made at a higher level, possibly from a different rank. We will seek confirmation.

This is very disappointing. We need to get clarity before considering further actions. Such occurrences should not happen," he added.

According to Fahmi, a Meta representative informed him that the matter was under investigation.

Any form of action against Meta would only be decided and taken after the latter's explanation, he stressed.

"We are considering our options. We need an explanation from Meta first because its regional officials seem very confused about this situation, and I do not blame them.

"A Meta delegation will arrive next week, and we will wait until they arrive," said Fahmi.

‘Disrespectful!’

Anwar had reacted to Ismail's assassination by calling it a "heinous murder," and his three such postings on Instagram and Facebook were taken down merely hours after they were uploaded.

The removal notification from the social media platforms stated that the posts were likely to have “symbols, praise, or support of people and organisations that we define as dangerous”.

Anwar then vehemently condemned Meta, the parent company of Instagram and Facebook, for the action and called them out for being disrespectful.

On July 31, Anwar condemned Meta for removing his post about meeting Ismail in Doha in May.

Apart from Anwar's post, Meta also took down condolence messages for Ismail by Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin and Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Adam Adli Abdul Halim.

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