Malaysian premier slams Meta as ‘instrument of oppressive Zionist Israeli regime’

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) – Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Thursday slammed Meta, the parent company of Instagram and Facebook, calling it "instruments of the oppressive Zionist Israeli regime."

His reaction came after the social media giant deleted his social media posts related to Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, who was assassinated in the Iranian capital Tehran on Wednesday. The resistance group accuses Israel to be behind the strike on a guest house that also killed his bodyguard.

"Let this serve as a clear and unequivocal message to Meta: Cease this display of cowardice and stop acting as instruments of the oppressive Zionist Israeli regime!" Anwar said on X.

Anwar also spoke with Hamas leadership to convey his condolences on the killing.

Later, his team shared video of his phone call on social media which Instagram and Facebook removed.

Earlier, Kuala Lumpur had slammed Meta after the platform removed a post about the Malaysian prime minister's meeting with Haniyeh during his trip to Qatar in May.

"This goes against our Community Standards on dangerous individuals and organizations," the Meta had said.

"It doesn't make sense when a tribute to a fighter (Ismail Haniyeh) who tried to free his homeland (Palestine) from tyranny and suffering is considered dangerous," Anwar said.

The prime minister's office has also demanded an explanation and asked Meta to "apologize" for removing the social media posts.

"This action clearly shows discrimination against the situation in Palestine and the country's leaders," the office said.

"Meta has once again acted disrespectfully and insulted the Palestinian struggle by removing a video post, along with condolences and criticism regarding the killing of the late Ismail Haniyeh," Anwar said.

*Islamuddin Sajid contributed to this report