COMMUNICATIONS and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil today revealed that there is evidence that social media platform TikTok has systematically removed content on the Palestine-Israel conflict originating from Malaysia.

He said this was proven after numerous users of the platform complained to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) that their content and live broadcasts had been taken down or restricted, including those related to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s speech during the “Malaysia Stands with Palestine” rally on Tuesday.

“For example, there was content on the prime minister’s speech and several pictures from Gaza… and TikTok in their feedback said there were violent images.

“When I looked at the content, the pictures were of a father carrying his lifeless child shrouded in cloth. No blood, nothing gory.

“To me, this doesn’t make sense… I am so mad at TikTok now, and we have sent a message to make them understand,” he said after launching the ministry’s Palestinian Humanitarian Fund at Angkasapuri Media City in Kuala Lumpur today.

The fund was initiated in line with the call by Chief Secretary to the Government Mohd Zuki Ali for each ministry to raise funds as a sign of solidarity with the Palestinian people.

Fahmi said he had also told MCMC to issue a stern warning to TikTok and call a meeting to discuss the matter, which was also conveyed to Meta.

“If they want to play around with us, we will take a very firm stand,” he said.

“We don’t want our right to freedom of expression, especially in issues relating to Palestine, to be restricted by irresponsible parties for certain reasons.”

He said a meeting with TikTok to convey the government’s position on the matter was held yesterday and another would be conducted next week. – Bernama, October 26, 2023.