KUALA LUMPUR – The Facebook posts uploaded by certain Malaysian media outlets on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s meeting with a Hamas leader were removed in error and have been restored, said tech giant Meta.
“Two posts were removed in error and have now been restored,” a Meta spokesperson said in an email to Reuters today.
The tech firm added that it did not purposely suppress or restrict content made in support of the Palestinian cause.
The removal of the posts days ago drew criticism from Putrajaya, where government spokesman Fahmi Fadzil slammed Meta – which owns Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp – for not respecting media freedom by taking down posts of two media outlets on Anwar’s meeting with Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh.
Prior to this, the Malaysian government sent Meta a letter demanding an explanation about the removal of the Facebook posts as well as a shutdown of a Facebook account belonging to news outlet, the Malaysia Gazette.
The Malaysia Gazette yesterday said its appeal to reinstate its Facebook account was successful.
Malaysia previously issued stern warnings that action would be taken against Meta and other social media platform owners if they were found restricting pro-Palestinian content.
Yesterday, Fahmi, who is also communications minister, cited cases in the past where posts of Anwar’s speech during the unity government’s rally in solidarity of Palestine last year were taken down but later reuploaded following complaints by the government.
Several media firms, such as Malaysiakini BM and Sinar Harian, informed the Communications Ministry that their reports about Anwar’s meeting with Haniyeh had been taken down for containing “symbols, praise or support of people and organisations that we (Meta) define as dangerous”.
Upon inspection, Fahmi said none of the posts had the aspects claimed by Meta.
Earlier, Anwar admitted that his meeting with Haniyeh could cause anxiety among allies of Malaysia – particularly the West.
However, Anwar said the meeting was to request that Hamas considered the views of various parties for a speedy and peaceful settlement of the Gaza conflict.
A week ago, Meta’s oversight board was seeking public input on whether Facebook posts with the phrase “from the river to the sea” should be removed and placed under stricter moderation efforts.
The phrase is often used during pro-Palestinian protests and demonstrations worldwide.
Meta also designates Hamas as a “dangerous organisation” and often removes content related to the group. – May 16, 2024