Twitter again refuses MCMC's request, this time over logo mocking PM's Madani slogan

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has written to Twitter, seeking the social media platform to remove a post by a prominent content creator known for her slapstick comedy-style criticism of the government, just days after a similar request by the internet regulator to take action against another user was denied.

MCMC had requested Twitter to remove a posting on July 11 by Syarul Ema Rena, better known as Ratu Naga.

The post is a design containing the PKR logo against what looks like a hand with its middle finger raised.

The graphic is accompanied by the word "Mahaldahni", a play on Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's "Malaysia Madani" slogan to denote the rising prices of goods.

Ratu Naga was, however, informed by Twitter that, despite the request, it is the company's policy not to take any action in the interest of free speech, adding that it was letting her decide whether or not to remove the post.

"We want you to have an opportunity to evaluate the request and, if you wish, take appropriate action to protect your interests. This may include seeking legal counsel and challenging the request in court, contacting relevant civil society organisations, voluntarily deleting the content (if applicable), or finding some other resolution," Twitter said.

When contacted, Ratu Naga said she would not remove the post.

"It shows a PKR logo against some skyscrapers. And 'Mahaldahni' is what people have been saying nowadays when complaining about rising living costs.

"What is wrong with making fun of Madani?" she asked.

The move comes a day after MCMC claimed it did not instruct video sharing platform TikTok to block the account of PAS politician Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor, the Kedah menteri besar that has become a target of attacks from government leaders.

Since taking office, Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil, who heads the ministry in charge of MCMC, has been urging social media providers to block contents he described as "disinformation" and "extremist".

TikTok has since removed hundreds of videos with political contents, with several opposition-friendly influencers recently reporting that their live sessions were abruptly terminated.

Last month, a similar request by MCMC to take action against another government critic, Salim Iskandar, was shot down by Twitter.

MCMC was unhappy over a series of tweets by Salim challenging Anwar to take a religious oath to deny the sodomy allegation for which he was convicted and sentenced to jail in 2015, as well as his criticism of the prime minister's about-turn in favouring investments from China despite past accusations that former leader Najib Razak was selling out the country to China.

Twitter, which was acquired last year by US tech billionaire Elon Musk, has a policy of scrutinising requests from government agencies to take down posts, but these are only fulfilled in cases involving harm to children, threats to life and terrorism.

The company also has a policy of not complying with requests that could restrict freedom of expression or silence journalists and legitimate political speeches.