PUTRAJAYA: The Communications Ministry has requested an explanation from Meta over the removal of social media posts by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh.
Its minister Fahmi Fadzil, who is also the unity government spokesman, said his ministry had also asked Meta to clarify why only the specific posts on the Prime Minister's official Facebook and Instagram accounts were targeted.
"I understand that content uploaded by Bernama, specifically Bernama Radio, has been removed and it was the same content. The government regrets Meta's actions.
"Currently, it is unclear whether the content was automatically removed by Meta or following public complaints. We are awaiting a full explanation from Meta," he said at a press conference here today.
Meanwhile, Fahmi requested any other media outlets experiencing similar issues to report them to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission to assist in restoring the content.
"As of now, no other media organisations that uploaded similar content about the Prime Minister's conversation with Hamas political bureau chief Ismail were removed, except for Bernama Radio.
"If any media colleagues have experienced this, please inform MCMC so we can work on reinstating the posts," he said.
He said all social media platforms have their own community guidelines and standards that might lead to content removal.
Earlier, the Prime Minister slammed Meta for removing more posts on Ismail, saying it was "unreasonable" to consider.
Anwar's posts conveying his condolences to Hamas official Dr Basem Naim over Ismail's death were removed on Meta-owned platforms Facebook and Instagram.
On Instagram, the content was removed as it had "dangerous individuals and organisations".
Meanwhile, a notification from Facebook said the prime minister's post was removed as it had elements that praised or supported people or organisations that had been defined as dangerous.
Yesterday, the Prime Minister's Office called on Meta to explain why a post from May, showing Anwar's meeting with the Hamas leader, was taken down.