Meta Platforms Admits Wrongly Deleted Facebook Posts Of Malaysian PM Meeting With Hamas Leaders

JAKARTA - Meta Platforms admits that it deleted a Facebook post by one of Malaysian media containing the meeting of Prime Minister (PM) Anwar Ibrahim with a Hamas leader. Meta admits the removal was a form of error.

Citing Reuters, the removal of the post sparked protests from the Malaysian government that vocally fought for Palestinian independence.

Malaysia also warned it would take firm action against Meta and other social media companies it has access to in its country if it blocks pro-Palestinian content on their platforms.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim met Ismail Haniyeh who was one of the Hamas leaders in Qatar on May 13.

During the meeting, Anwar emphasized that despite having good relations with political leaders (political parties) from the group, Malaysia was not involved in Hamas military activities.

The Malaysian government has also sent a letter asking for a Meta explanation regarding the removal of posts by two Malaysian media.

"Two posts were deleted due to errors and have now been recovered," a Meta spokesperson via email told Reuters.

The Malaysian Gazette Facebook account covering Palestinian issues was also removed last month.

Malaysia's Communications Minister and government spokesman, Fahmi Fadzil, condemned the abolition of the post on May 15. He accused the United States (US) organization or platform of not respecting media freedom.

Malaysia Gazette said on May 15, that its request to Facebook to reactivate their Faccbook account had been received and has now been restored.