KUALA LUMPUR – Meta Platforms Inc (Meta) has given the government assurance that it will not take down the live broadcast of the “Himpunan Pembebasan Palestin” rally, which will be held at the Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil, tomorrow.
The rally will start at 6pm tomorrow, and it is expected that about 20,000 people will turn up at the stadium.
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said that top Meta officials had ensured that the event could be streamed live without any disruptions, not only on the country’s leaders’ social media platforms but also by the media.
“I have emphasised and warned the Meta team that tomorrow night we will have this ‘Himpunan Pembebasan Palestin’ event, which will be broadcasted live, and I requested their cooperation.
“I want to see them walk the talk by ensuring the broadcast is uninterrupted not only on the prime minister’s Facebook page but also among media friends during the event,” he said after launching the #KasiJadi J&T Express campaign and the sixth anniversary celebration of the international delivery company here today.
At the same time, Fahmi is hoping that this assurance will prevent issues like the removal of a similar rally broadcast last year from recurring.
“I have spoken with Meta and emphasised that we do not want to see this issue happening again,” he said.
Meanwhile, Fahmi, who is also the government spokesperson, said that Meta will provide explanations regarding the removal of the prime minister’s social media posts on the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh when they meet on Monday.
Fahmi is hoping the meeting will go smoothly, adding that he does not want any disruptions to live broadcasts, including on Facebook and TikTok in the future, especially concerning Palestine.
“This is because Meta has informed us that for heads of state or government, ministers, or officials, special considerations are given when discussing matters related to Palestine,” he said.
Earlier, Fahmi expressed the government’s regret over Meta’s removal of posts by Anwar regarding Haniyeh’s killing and sought clarification on the matter.
The Prime Minister’s Office Media and Strategic Communications Division slammed Meta and said the removal showed its “discrimination against the situation in Palestine and the country’s leaders”.
The Prime Minister’s Office has also demanded an explanation and apology from the tech giant. – August 3, 2024