KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has accused Meta Platforms of cowardice following his Facebook post on the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh was removed, in his government’s latest run-in with the company over blocked content.
Malaysia is a supporter of the Palestinian cause and PM Anwar had posted a video recording of his phone call with a Hamas official to express condolences over Ismail Haniyeh’s death, which was later removed.
Hamas Leader’s assassination in Iran on Wednesday has added fuel to concern the war in Gaza was turning into a wider conflict in the region.
PM Anwar, who met Ismail Haniyeh in Doha in May, has said he has good ties with the Hamas leadership but no connection on a military level.
“Let this serve as a clear and unequivocal message to Meta: Cease this display of cowardice,” PM Anwar wrote on his social media page. However, Meta did not issue any statement over the development.
Malaysia’s Minister for Communications Fahmi Fadzil stated an explanation had been sought from Meta and it was unclear whether the social media posts were automatically removed, or taken down after a complaint.
Earlier, Malaysia has complained to Meta over its takedown of content, including media coverage of PM Anwar’s last meeting with Ismail Haniyeh, which was later restored. End
